Important High School Classes?

I'm trying to decide on some classes to take for next year and I could use some advice. What are considered the most important classes to take in high school?

The classes that are considered most important in high school often depend on your personal interests, future plans, and what colleges you're aiming to apply to. There are, however, some areas that schools generally view as important for a well-rounded education.

1. English: Four years of English class are usually required as they help develop skills in reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking.

2. Math: You should aim to take at least three to four years of math, including algebra, geometry, and upper-level maths such as trigonometry, pre-calculus, or calculus depending on your interests and intended major in college.

3. Science: Typically, you should aim for at least three years of science classes, including basics like biology, chemistry, and physics. Schools often look favorably on students who take four years of science, especially if they plan on pursuing a major in STEM.

4. Social Studies: This often includes courses like history, government, economics, and geography. Aim for three to four years in this subject.

5. Foreign Language: Most colleges like to see at least two years in the same foreign language, though more competitive colleges often prefer three to four years.

6. Electives: These can highlight your particular interests and demonstrate depth in a certain area. This could be art, computer science, journalism, or anything else that aligns with your passions or potential career path.

7. Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes: Depending on what your school offers, taking AP or IB classes can show colleges that you're challenging yourself academically.

Remember, while it's important to be well-rounded, colleges appreciate students who excel in a specific area ("a spike"), especially if it aligns with their potential college major. So if you're extremely passionate about science, loading up on advanced science classes and related extracurriculars can be beneficial.