Hey all, I'm trying to figure out which classes I should be focusing on for the next couple of years. Is there a comprehensive list of subjects offered in high school? Feel free to share any personal experiences too!
There isn't a single comprehensive list of high school subjects, as the courses offered can vary greatly from one school to another. However, I can provide you with a general list of subjects typically offered in high schools, although availability may differ depending on your school's specific curriculum. Note that many subjects will have multiple levels, like regular, honors, and AP (Advanced Placement) courses.
1. English: English Literature, American Literature, Creative Writing, Journalism, Public Speaking.
2. Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Statistics, Integrated Math.
3. Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Astronomy, Anatomy and Physiology, Marine Science.
4. Social Studies: World History, U.S. History, Geography, Government, Economics, Psychology, Sociology.
5. Foreign Languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Latin, American Sign Language.
6. Arts: Visual Arts, Ceramics, Painting, Drawing, Graphic Design, Photography, Theatre, Music Theory, Choir, Band, Orchestra.
7. Physical Education: General P.E., Health, Sports/Team Athletics.
8. Technology: Computer Science, Programming, Web Design, Robotics, Engineering.
9. Career and Technical Education (CTE): Business, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Accounting, Culinary Arts, Automotive Technology, Agriculture.
10. Electives: Philosophy, Film Studies, Debate, Personal Finance, Yearbook, Leadership.
If you're looking to focus on specific courses, consider your interests and potential college major/career plans. Colleges value students who take challenging courses that align with their future goals. For example, if you're interested in pursuing STEM, prioritize advanced math and science courses. If you're more inclined towards humanities, prioritize rigorous English and social studies courses. Of course, you should still maintain a well-rounded curriculum, but feel free to give extra emphasis to subjects aligned with your interests.
Remember to challenge yourself with honors or AP courses when possible, as colleges often consider course rigor when evaluating applications. Just make sure you can handle the workload and maintain your grades.
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