Which electives in high school will look good on college applications?

Hey everyone, I'm trying to choose electives for next year, and I want them to be beneficial for college applications. Which electives should I take in high school that would help make my application stronger? Thanks in advance!

It's important to choose electives that align with your interests and future major or career goals, rather than simply pursuing what you believe will "look good" on your college application. Colleges are looking for authentic engagement in your chosen courses, which is often demonstrated by taking subjects that you're genuinely interested in and that fit well with your potential field of study. That being said, here are some general guidelines to help you make your choice:

1. Depth and Rigor: Choose electives that are academically challenging or show a progression in a particular subject. For example, if you're interested in studying engineering, taking advanced math or science electives can help showcase your passion and commitment to the field.

2. Relation to Intended Major: Select electives that align with your potential major or career goals. For instance, if you plan to pursue international relations, taking foreign language or history courses can be valuable.

3. Personal Passion or Talent: Pick electives that demonstrate your personal interests and skills. Excelling in a subject you're genuinely passionate about, such as art, music, or writing, can be just as impressive as doing well in academic subjects.

4. Unique or Unusual Subjects: Enrolling in unique or uncommon electives could help your application stand out. Examples include robotics, astronomy, or forensic science. Just make sure that the subject is still relevant and interesting to you.

5. Leadership and Service: Consider electives that give you the opportunity for leadership or community involvement, such as student government, journalism, or peer tutoring.

Remember, while it's important to show a strong academic record through elective courses, colleges also want to see genuine interest and commitment to your chosen subjects. So, take electives that excite you and align with your goals, rather than simply attempting to impress admissions officers with what you think they want to see.