How do I pick the right classes for college readiness?

I'm trying to figure out which classes I should choose to prepare for college as I start thinking about my junior year schedule. How should I balance challenging courses with maintaining a strong GPA? Any advice from current college students?

When selecting your classes for junior year, it's important to consider both rigor and the relevancy of the classes to your future academic path. While your GPA is important, colleges would rather see you challenge yourself with rigorous coursework, like AP or IB classes, than take easy classes just to boost your GPA. However, don't overload yourself to the point of burnout.

High school classes are a great way to explore different subjects and see what interests you. If you have an idea of what you want to study in college, tailor your classes to that field. For example, if you're interested in engineering, load up on advanced math and science courses.

Balancing challenging courses with maintaining your GPA is a key trick. You don't necessarily need to take the most rigorous course in every subject – focus on areas in which you are strong or have a keen interest. It's better to have a higher grade in regular or honors courses than a low grade in an AP or IB course.

It's also worth considering courses that enhance skills universally appreciated in college, like critical thinking or research – skills you might obtain from an AP History or English class, for example.

Keep in mind, course rigor is one aspect of your college application. Coupled with extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, your application paints a picture of you as a student and a person. Colleges understand that students are humans and not just grade-producing machines.

So without compromising your mental health, take courses that challenge you, align with your future plans, and most importantly, courses that you enjoy learning! This will keep you motivated throughout the year. Best of luck!