Which high school electives are most favored by colleges?

Hey everyone, as a junior I still have some room in my schedule for electives. I’m curious, which electives do colleges generally like seeing on applications most? I want to make sure to build a competitive profile. Thanks!

The choice of elective courses largely depends on your academic interests and future career choices. Here are some general principles that might guide this decision:

Many colleges appreciate students who have pursued their interests passionately - whether academic or otherwise. Therefore, selecting electives that match your genuine interests can be beneficial. For instance, if you are a prospective STEM student then advanced math, computer science, and science electives could greatly strengthen your academic profile. On the other hand, if you're more interested in the humanities, courses like creative writing, advanced foreign languages, or sociology might showcase your commitment to your intended major.

Colleges also like to see a certain degree of variety in a student's course load. So, taking a mix of electives rather than concentrating solely on one discipline might reflect your willingness to challenge yourself and step outside of your comfort zone. This doesn't mean you should choose random subjects that don't interest you, but exploring areas that are different from your intended major could demonstrate your intellectual curiosity.

Aim to take rigorous courses. Advanced or honors electives are often appreciated because they speak to a student's willingness to take on academic challenges.

Lastly, remember it's not just about what courses you take, but also about achieving solid grades in them. It's important to ensure you can balance the workload of your chosen electives with your core classes to maintain a strong GPA.

In conclusion, while there are no absolute 'most favored' electives for all colleges, following the above considerations can help make smarter choices based on your individual goals and interests.