Best High School Classes to Make a College Application Stand Out?

I want to choose my high school classes wisely to make my college applications more impressive. What classes do colleges like to see, or which ones are considered rigorous and valuable?

When it comes to choosing high school classes to impress colleges, the main goal is to demonstrate academic rigor and your ability to be successful in challenging coursework. Here are a few points for you to consider:

1. Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses: These are high school classes that can provide college-level curriculum and examinations. Many schools offer AP or IB courses in various subjects like history, literature, math, and sciences. These courses not only show your ability to tackle tough classes, but also may offer college credits if you score well on the end-of-course exams.

2. Subject-Specific Advanced Courses: If your high school offers advanced placements in specialized subjects related to your anticipated major (like advanced calculus for prospective engineering students), it's a good idea to take as many of these as you can handle. This shows your commitment to the subject field and ability to handle college-level work in the specific discipline.

3. Core classes: Be sure not to overlook your core class requirements. This includes English, math, sciences, social studies, and foreign languages. Taking the most challenging courses in these core subjects can show colleges that you're well-rounded academically and are committed to learning.

4. Languages: It's beneficial to take at least two consecutive years of the same foreign language. College admissions see this as proof of your cultural understanding and interest in engaging with diverse populations.

5. Electives that align with your intended major: If already aware of your intended field of study, electives that align with that can demonstrate to colleges your commitment and passion towards your chosen field.

Remember not to overdo it - it's important to strike a balance between taking a rigorous course load and ensuring you are realistically able to maintain good grades. While rigorous courses are valuable, they offer little advantage if they lead to unmanageable stress and slipping grades. It would be more prudent to take less advanced courses in subjects where you may struggle, and beefing up rigor in subjects where you excel. Get to know your strengths and manage your course load accordingly. Good luck!