What are academic electives?

Hey everyone, I came across the term 'academic electives' while browsing college requirements. What exactly does it mean? Could you give me some examples of academic electives in high school?

Hello! "Academic electives" refers to courses or classes in high school that are not part of the required core curriculum but still have an academic focus. These courses allow students to explore their interests and develop skills in a particular subject area while also demonstrating to colleges that they've taken a well-rounded and challenging course load.

Academic electives can typically be found in subject areas like humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. Here are some examples of academic electives in high school:

1. Foreign language: If your school doesn't require a foreign language for graduation, taking any courses in this area (e.g., Spanish, French, German, Chinese) counts as an academic elective.

2. Advanced mathematics: Beyond the required math curriculum, classes like pre-calculus, calculus, and statistics can be taken as electives.

3. Science: Advanced or specialized courses in biology, chemistry, physics, or environmental science that aren't part of the core curriculum can be counted as electives.

4. Social sciences: Courses in history, geography, government, economics, or psychology may be considered electives if they go beyond the required curriculum or offer specialized learning in those areas.

5. Humanities: Classes that delve deeper into areas like literature, philosophy, or art history are usually considered academic electives.

6. Computer science: Courses in programming, web design, or other computer-related subjects can be considered academic electives.

7. Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses: Many high schools offer advanced coursework in various subject areas which exceed standard curriculum expectations and can be counted as academic electives.

By enrolling in academic electives, you can strengthen your high school transcript and showcase your interests and abilities to college admissions committees. It's a good idea to choose electives that align with your passions or potential college major to demonstrate your commitment to that field.