By: Ananya Nrusimha
As midterm week nears, so too do scheduling deadlines. Here are some things to keep in mind when picking courses for next year.
With its abundance of free elective courses, high school provides an excellent opportunity for you to figure out what you like and what you want to do in life. Take a variety of different elective courses to see where your passions lie, especially if you are an underclassman.
Once you find a field that particularly sparks your interest, take as many courses in that subject as possible, and seek out extracurricular activities, internships, and other opportunities to deepen your experience and understanding.
It’s also important to consider Harkness courses when making scheduling decisions. When looking for a job after high school or applying to college, a substantial body of experience in your field of interest will immensely strengthen your resume.
Consider taking AP classes even if you aren’t a stellar student. Even a mediocre grade on an AP exam can earn you college credit and save you hundreds of dollars. With that being said, take care not to overload yourself with challenging courses; your health and well-being are more important than an AP-laden schedule.
Keep newer APs, such as AP World History, AP Capstone Seminar and Research, and the brand-new AP Computer Science Principles on your radar; it’s important to keep in mind that Seminar is recommended for juniors while Research is recommended for seniors and cannot be taken unless Seminar is completed.
Make sure to also consider non-AP classes that also offer college credit, such as Introduction to Creative Nonfiction (offered through Syracuse University), Project Lead the Way, and the Internship program at East.
Having a good balance of challenging classes and comfortable classes is often the most common advice given by faculty, upper classmen, and guidance counselors. However, it’s also important to try out electives that seem interesting and fun. Having a fun class with fewer homework assignments and emphasis on testing, like Creative Writing, will not only provide you with a break from an AP class but also get your creative juices flowing.
Finally, remember that your schedule is yours to make. It is you who will have to sit through the classes you choose for next year; do not let someone else pressure you into making a choice you will rue in the year to come. Use your best judgment, follow your heart, and all will be well.
