Selecting Courses for Senior Year

Hey there, so I'm currently scratching my head over finding the right classes to take for next year. Do colleges look at your high school course load and evaluate the diversity/intensity of the courses? If yes, what classes are they most interested in seeing on our transcript?

In assessing an applicant, colleges definitely look at your high school course load. Candidates who tackle challenging courses tend to be viewed favorably because it shows a hunger to learn and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. While the classes you should take might vary depending on the prospective major or field, there are a few general rules that apply.

In particular, colleges often appreciate seeing that you've taken four years of the five core subject areas: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language. Doing so illustrates that you're well-rounded and have a diverse foundation of knowledge. If you are planning on pursuing a STEM major, more advanced math and science classes would be beneficial. For humanities or social science disciplines, higher level history, language, or literature classes could help demonstrate your aptitude.

Assuming that your school offers AP or IB classes, taking a few of these can underscore your academic prowess. But don't overburden yourself. Aim for a balance between rigor and ensuring you can realistically manage your workload. Remember, it's the grades you get in AP/IB courses that ultimately count, rather than solely the number of AP/IB courses that you take.

However, it's crucial to keep your personal interests in mind when selecting classes. If there's a specific subject area you're passionate about, pursue it. Colleges appreciate seeing students taking difficult classes in areas they hope to further study. It brings depth and authenticity to your application.

Lastly, if possible, try to progressively increase the difficulty of your courses each year. This demonstrates intellectual growth and a willingness to embrace new challenges.