Best Classes for High Schoolers Preparing for College

I'm trying to figure out which high school classes would best prepare me for college. I've heard AP classes are a good option, but I'm not sure which ones to prioritize. Any suggestions or personal experiences would be really helpful!

It's great that you're thinking carefully about your course selection! The best classes to take would somewhat depend on your college goals, the field of study you're interested in, and the rigor of courses your high school offers.

AP (Advanced Placement) classes can indeed give you college credit and help show schools that you are willing to push yourself academically. However, you need to balance the rigor and not overload yourself to a point where your mental health or grade point average starts to suffer. Prioritize APs in subjects you're passionate about and potentially interested in pursuing further in college.

For example, if you're considering engineering or a science-related field, Physics C and Calculus BC would be especially beneficial. If humanities are your passion, consider AP English Literature and Composition, AP US History or AP World History. For students interested in business or economics, AP Microeconomics and Macroeconomics might be a great choice.

Although you should always take the most challenging course load that you can handle, not all APs are seen equally by colleges. The math and science APs are considered especially rigorous along with AP English and History courses. Foreign language APs are also highly regarded.

Furthermore, not all colleges accept all AP credits, and it is not only about getting credit but showing you can handle a college-like workload. So it's really more about challenging yourself academically and showing colleges you're ready for the rigor of their courses. You should also leave time to engage in extracurricular activities, hold leadership positions, do community service, or whatever else interests you, since those are also key components of a college application.

Lastly, to stay well-rounded, you might also consider a course in a creative area like Art or Music if it interests you and fits into your schedule. Colleges like to see balance and a wide range of interests, so if there is room in your schedule, this kind of class can help provide that balance. But remember in top-tier colleges, they focus more on 'spikiness' than being well-rounded. Hence, if you have a particular passion or talent area, do not shy away from pursuing it.

Again, your course selection is going to be specific to your goals, interests and your high school's offerings. It's also always a good idea to reach out to a high school guidance counselor to help guide you through your scheduling choices.