How to choose the best high school electives?

Hey guys, I'm trying to create my schedule for next year, and I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the elective choices. Can anyone suggest some interesting high school electives to look into? I want to make sure I pick something that'll be both enjoyable and beneficial for college admissions.

Hey there! It's totally normal to feel overwhelmed when choosing electives, but it's really about finding the right balance between your interests and what will help you in college admissions.

First, it's a good idea to think about your passions and interests, because enjoying the electives you choose typically leads to a higher level of engagement and, correspondingly, better grades. If you have a general idea of what you'd like to major in or pursue in the future, you can try selecting electives that align with that area. For example, if you're into computer science, you might consider taking a coding or web design class.

Also, consider the difficulty level of the electives you're thinking about, and how they complement your core classes (science, history, math, English, and foreign language). It's good to challenge yourself, but you don't want to overload your schedule to the point where it hurts your performance in your core subjects, as ultimately colleges weigh the core classes most heavily.

On the flip side, taking an elective that enhances what you're learned in a core class can create a more dynamic learning experience. For example, if you're already going to be taking an advanced biology course, you might register for a bioethics elective to help you develop a more balanced view of the subject. That will also show colleges that you're ready to make the higher-level connections that will be fundamental to your higher education.

Lastly, do some research and ask around for feedback from upperclassmen or teachers about the electives offered at your school. It never hurts to hear firsthand accounts of what a particular class is like and how it might benefit you.

Remember, the most important thing is choosing electives you'll genuinely enjoy while also adding to your academic profile. Good luck with your course selection!