Marketing Majors: How valuable is taking a high school marketing class?

Hi all! Looking ahead and thinking I might want to major in marketing. My high school offers a marketing class and I'm debating whether or not to take it. Would this be a good move for my college application if I want to show I’m serious about this field? How do colleges view this kind of elective?

Hi there! Jumping into a high school marketing class can be a wonderful introduction to the field and show colleges that you have a defined interest. While more rigorous courses like APs typically carry more weight in the college admissions process, elective classes like marketing are valuable as they demonstrate your genuine interest in a particular field.

If you balance it with a challenging course load in other areas, it can complement your application nicely. Additionally, if your marketing class includes any hands-on projects or campaigns, this experience could be a golden talking point in interviews or essays.

For instance, if you design a mock ad campaign that earns recognition in some way, this could fall into a Tier 3 activity. For more on the 4 Tiers of Extracurricular Activities, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities/

Lastly, remember to keep exploring opportunities outside of school as well, such as internships or summer programs related to marketing, to further showcase your dedication and initiative. Wishing you luck as you delve into the world of marketing!