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What are high school elective classes?

Hey folks, I'm a bit confused about what elective classes are in high school. Do they have any impact on college admissions? Are they supposed to be less demanding than the other classes? Also, how do I pick the 'right' ones for me?

a year ago

Electives in high school are classes that fall outside the core academic subject areas of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. These classes can oftentimes be chosen based on personal interests and can encompass a wide range of subjects like Art, Music, Foreign Languages, Computer Science, Business, and more.

Regarding impact on college admissions, colleges certainly take note of the electives you've chosen. While they may not carry the same weight as your core courses, they contribute towards displaying a well-rounded educational experience. Your choice of electives can potentially reflect your areas of interest and expertise.

The difficulty level of elective classes can vary based on the subject and the level of the course. Some can be as demanding as core courses, especially if they're at an advanced level or delve deeply into a particular subject matter.

As for choosing the 'right' electives, here's what you can keep in mind:

1. Interest: Opt for subjects that resonate with your academic or extracurricular interests. If you enjoy visual arts, take a painting class. If you're into tech, a computer science course may be of interest.

2. Future Plans: If you have a specific field of study in mind for college, select electives aligned with that. For instance, if you're planning on majoring in architecture, taking a drafting class or an art history class could be beneficial.

3. Challenge: Keep an eye out for AP or honors electives if you're looking for a challenge. These can also boost your weighted GPA.

Remember, electives offer an opportunity for you to explore new areas of interest or foster existing ones. They give you a chance to take a break from your regular subjects and learn something new and exciting, while also enriching your overall academic profile.

a year ago

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