What classes should I take in senior year?

I'm planning my senior year schedule and need some advice. Which classes are critical to take before graduation, and how do colleges view AP or honors courses compared to regular classes?

Creating an impactful senior year schedule often involves balancing various factors, such as your academic interests, your career aspirations, and college admissions considerations.

To start with, colleges appreciate seeing certain core classes on a high school transcript: English/Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies (such as History or Government), and a Foreign Language. Maintaining this core curriculum throughout your high school career, including your senior year, can show academic versatility and readiness for the diverse coursework in college.

In terms of AP or honors courses, they are generally seen as more rigorous than regular classes, providing you with a deeper understanding of the subject matter. AP classes in particular have the potential additional bonus of earning you college credit if you perform well on the final AP Exam at the end of the year. But choosing between AP/honors courses and regular classes is often a matter of considering your ability to balance your workload.

Many students have found success with a mixed approach. That is, taking AP or honors courses in the subjects they're truly passionate about or intend to study further in college, while taking regular classes for subjects that are less critical to their future career plans or that they find more challenging. This approach allows you to challenge yourself and demonstrate your drive in areas that are important to you, without overwhelming yourself with an overly demanding workload.

One final consideration for your senior year schedule is the concept of the 'spike,' or the deeply-developed specialty that many top colleges look for. If you have a particular passion or area of interest that you want to pursue in college and beyond, making room for relevant advanced coursework, independent studies, or related extracurriculars can strengthen your overall application.

Remember, though, that while it's important to challenge yourself academically, it's equally important to ensure you're not spreading yourself too thin. Find the balance that will allow you to demonstrate your talents and interests while maintaining a solid academic performance.