Choosing High School Classes for College Applications

What classes should I be taking to make my college application stand out? I'm trying to plan my senior year schedule but want to ensure I have a good balance of rigorous courses that will strengthen my application.

As a general rule of thumb, colleges often favor students who demonstrate the willingness and ability to handle a challenging course load, but it's equally important to maintain a high GPA, so always make sure you're choosing classes that you're confident you can handle. Don't overload yourself to the point that your grades might suffer.

For your senior year, prioritize classes that align with your major or focus of interest. For example, if you're interested in pre-med, consider taking higher level science classes like AP Chemistry and AP Biology; if you're interested in business, then AP Calculus and AP Economics might be valuable.

If AP or honors courses are available, consider enrolling in them. They demonstrate a willingness to challenge yourself and they're more rigorous than traditional classes. Moreover, it's not just enough to take AP classes: you need to do well in them and ideally, get a 4 or 5 on the AP exam.

Also consider taking a foreign language course throughout your high school years. Many colleges value the ability to speak a second language and it also demonstrates a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone.

Lastly, quality over quantity applies to your course load just as it does with extracurricular activities. Rather than taking multiple AP classes and running the risk of spreading yourself too thin, focus on taking a few AP classes in areas that genuinely interest you. By performing well in them, you'll be well on your way to having a solid college application.

Remember, the goal is not to take the most difficult course load possible, but to challenge yourself and develop a depth of knowledge in the areas that most interest you. Keep these tips in mind as you plan your senior year schedule. Good luck!