Which electives prove most beneficial in high school?

Hey guys, as a junior in high school, I've started mulling over some of my elective options for next year. Any suggestions on which electives would prove most beneficial for developing key skills and for college applications? How have y'all approached this in the past? Any advice would be really appreciated.

The first thing to keep in mind when choosing electives is to align them with your academic interests or prospective major. Colleges like to see deep involvement in a select few areas, rather than broad and unfocused participation.

If you love literature or are interested in a humanities major in college, taking an elective in advanced literature analysis, journalism, or creative writing could show colleges your commitment to this field. Likewise, if you're thinking about studying something in the STEM fields, electives in topics like advanced computer science, engineering, or robotics could be a great option.

Now, for honing general skills, a class in Personal Finance can be extraordinarily beneficial regardless of your intended major. It instills money management, budgeting, and understanding of personal investments. Similarly, an elective in Public Speaking or Debate can go a long way in developing communication skills.

In terms of beneficial electives for college admissions, advanced or AP courses in your field of interest certainly hold weight. These courses demonstrate academic rigor and your commitment to challenging yourself. Remember though, quality over quantity is key, so steer clear of loading up on APs for the sake of it.

Lastly, speaking from a completely practical standpoint, many students have found it valuable to select a "fun" elective. This could be anything from an art class to a PE course. Not only can these classes provide a much-needed breather from your core classes, but they also offer the chance to develop a new interest or hobby. You never know, this could even add a unique dimension to your college application - colleges value diverse interests and hobbies just as much as they value strong academics.

Hope this helps you in making the right choice!