High school is an integral part of life. It lets children learn new concepts, play sports, participate in different activities, and make memories for a lifetime. But more importantly, it lays the foundation for college. The classes students choose in high school can influence their prospects of getting admission into a reputable institution. With that in mind, we listed a few tips to help pick the right academic programs and courses in high school.

Be aware of the mandatory curriculum
The best feature of high school is that students can decide which classes they would like to take. However, there are restrictions. Most schools make it mandatory to enroll in particular courses for graduation. Children can pick programs of their choice only after opting in for these. The mandatory curriculum may vary from one school district to another or state to state, and there’s no getting around it. For instance, in some states, every student must complete the following irrespective of the school they attend:

• One year of foreign language
• Two years of physical education
• Three years of social science (government, geography, and history)
• Two years of math (including Algebra I)
• Three years of English

Check out the college-prep courses
Many high schools in our country offer unique curricula that prepare students for college. Opting for these can improve one’s chances of securing admission into a preferred institution. However, the classes are often more challenging, requiring students to invest more time and effort into academics. A few popular college-prep programs include:

• Advanced Placement (AP)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE)

A student’s program choice depends on their preferences and the college they aim to attend after high school. It is essential to note that children can secure seats in good colleges even without opting for these courses. Institutions understand that students can only make the most of accelerated courses if their high school offers them. They acknowledge that the requirements vary at different schools, curtailing the courses students can take. So, children are expected to excel in the opportunities they have access to.

Consider the college one aspires to attend
Many children plan to attend university or college after graduating high school. However, these institutions accept only those students who have completed particular courses and meet their admission requirements. For instance, students usually need a single year of a foreign language to graduate high school, but four-year universities demand three years for admission. So, one should speak to the school’s college counselor and take the necessary courses beforehand.

Choose a suitable mode of study
Each course uses a different approach to impart knowledge. While some follow a hands-on, project-based approach, others provide theoretical information. When choosing a program, students should consider their preferred learning style. They must also evaluate whether the work industry they wish to get into requires a theoretical foundation or demands practicality.

Meet the credit requirements
To graduate high school, students usually require a set number of standard and verified credits under their belts. One can only get these credits if they complete the required courses and pass end-of-course tests. Only those with the required credits are awarded a high school diploma, which may be necessary for admission to any college program granting a bachelor’s degree.

Don’t shy away from challenging courses
Students often wonder if they should enroll in an easy class and score an A or attend a challenging class with the potential for a lower grade. The recommended approach is to attempt a more demanding course, even if it means settling for a B. However, a C or lower may not be ideal in any program. Colleges appreciate students who actively pursue challenges rather than evade them. They may be more willing to admit such a candidate into their institution.

Pursue interests
There is no harm in taking the classes one likes, like art or fashion. However, students should not neglect the other courses in the bargain. One must be honest with oneself. It helps to ask, “Am I opting for an art course because I like it, or is my action aimed at avoiding a different, probably more complex academic program?”

Explore online and dual-enrollment possibilities
Let’s say a student is deeply passionate about Physics, but the school does not offer Physics C. One can sign up for a dual-enrollment or online program in such a situation. However, before enrolling in such a program, one must ask the school whether the credits will be recognized.

Students can speak to an academic counselor before finalizing their high school academic programs or courses. The expert can help determine the best course arrangement depending on the child’s preferences and aspirations.