How do you decide which classes to take for college?

I'm trying to plan my high school courses to align with potential college majors. How do you figure out which classes are essential for the major you're interested in? Is there a strategy to this?

Absolutely, there are effective strategies to map your high school classes with potential college majors.

First, identify your potential majors. Are you interested in the Humanities, STEM, Social Sciences, or maybe Business? Once you have a list, research the common foundational courses for those fields. For example, if you're interested in Computer Science, you may want to take advanced math and science classes, including computer programming if it's available at your school.

Next, look into individual colleges’ requirements. Some colleges (especially specialized or highly competitive ones) have high school course requirements or recommendations. For instance, engineering programs might require more than just Algebra and Geometry, they may suggest students complete coursework in Trigonometry and Calculus as well. Schools typically outline these admission prerequisites on their websites.

Third, consider Advanced Placement (AP) classes. If you love a subject and are doing well in it, taking an AP class in that area can be a great way to demonstrate rigorous coursework and deepen your knowledge. Remember, you don't have to load up on AP classes; quality is more important than quantity. And it's not just about taking the class, either. The grade you get plays a significant role, indicating how well you can handle college-level work.

Finally, keep your personal interests and passions in mind. If you have a great interest in a particular area, like language studies or art, taking these courses can show colleges your committed interest and can lead to potential extracurricular or future career opportunities.

Remember, while it's important to prepare for your intended college major, it's equally crucial to have a balanced and well-rounded high school experience. You'll change and grow significantly during these years, and your interests may shift over time. Hence, keeping some variety in your course selection can leave room for discovery and flexibility.