Are you figuring out what classes to take in 2024-25?
A smart course planning strategy would give you numerous advantages. First and foremost, it creates a positive learning experience. The ultimate benefit is that it helps you build a strong student profiles which open the doors for college options that align the best with your career goals.
Deciding which classes to take is a huge task and involves a lot of consideration. Planning for your 2023-2024 school year should begin now (in the early spring)! This allows you enough time to research and consider a variety of scenarios. Course registrations are usually in February for the following school year, so you will need adequate time to research and look into the different options you have.
Here are the four essential considerations to create a smart course planning strategy:
Align Your Academic Track and Career Goals
Besides fulfilling the basic graduation requirements, you should prioritize the honors and AP classes that are related to the major you’re pursuing. Not only does it prepare you academically, it also demonstrates your capacity for advanced work and thus differentiates you from other college admissions applicants. A strong student profile includes demonstration of a clear career goal, confidence to take challenges, and academic preparedness.
Awareness of Your Academic Standing Helps Your Prepare for Challenges
Review your transcripts of the past three years. What is your current academic standing? Do you see any patterns or trends? What are your strengths? At which subjects do you excel? Are you ready to transition into a more accelerated subject pathway? On the other hand, are there any subjects you find challenging and may need extra support? Any undesirable grade you may want to fix? When you consider taking classes that bring you to a more advanced standing, it’s essential to devote resources to support this decision. The earlier you identify the academic needs, the better you are prepared, and thus the less stress you will experience. The result is better performance with less stress!
Be Open to Exploring Institutions Outside Your School
Most likely, your school does not offer ALL AP classes listed under the College Board. Some of you may be ready for an AP class as a G10 student, but juniors and seniors have a higher priority and may already fill the spaces. This is the time to consider taking classes at a WASC accredited institution outside your school. Are you aware that colleges value students who seek learning opportunities outside their school? This demonstrates motivation and confidence. Another scenario is for a G10 student who is currently taking Algebra II/Trig to register for AP Calculus AB next year. In order for him/her to achieve that, he/she would complete AP Precalculus in the summer in a WASC accredited school.
Course Planning Is a Multi-year Game Plan
Last but not least, smart course planning requires parents and students to bear in mind the full high school journey. It’s more than making decisions for a single year. This mindset would put you in the best position to optimize all factors for your college admissions effort and minimize the work stress that comes with your high school career.
To Summarize
When making decisions, parents and students need to consider a student’s strengths, their career goals, the gaps in their transcripts, the availability of courses at the current institution, and college major(s). In addition, to evaluating the academic track and subject pathways established at your school, you need to look at your current academic standing. Finally, spend time researching possible academic opportunities at other institutions that add value to your academic transcripts or outside experiences. All of these things together will not only determine how appealing you look to colleges/universities, but also prepare you for internships and other academic opportunities. Above all, know what works best for you! Be aware of your learning style, work pace, time constraints, and future goals.
You’re Not Alone in This Process
You do not need to plan alone; feel welcome to reach out to us so we can make this life-changing decision together. You may reach our Academic Consultant at (408) 755-9775 or office@legendcp.com. You may also schedule a free consult with her.