What classes should a high school senior be taking?

Hey there, I've heard that colleges look at your senior year classes. So, what kind of courses should a high school senior consider taking? What's a strong lineup?

As a senior, your ultimate goal should be to strike a balance between demonstrating academic rigor and continuing in your areas of interest. You should ideally aim to continue your core academic courses (math, science, English, social studies, and a foreign language) until graduation, while also focusing on your specific interests or prospective major, if you have one in mind.

In terms of academic rigor, challenging yourself with AP or IB-level courses in subjects where you are strong could be a good idea. Colleges typically want to see you've taken the most rigorous courses available to you. If AP and IB courses are available at your high school, you should definitely consider these options. However, remember not to overload yourself. It's better to do well in fewer rigorous classes than to perform poorly due to spreading yourself too thin.

If you're interested in a particular field of study, consider taking elective classes that align with it. For instance, if you want to study engineering, more advanced math and science classes would be beneficial. Similarly, if business is your preference, classes in economics, finance, or entrepreneurship can showcase your interest and determination.

Lastly, schools also appreciate seeing some continuity. They want to see that you've stuck with the subjects over four years. For instance, if you've been taking Spanish for the first three years, don't drop it your senior year – finish out your high school Spanish career to demonstrate a long-term commitment to learning the language.

Keep in mind, colleges want to see that you've maintained a challenging course load in your senior year, but also that you've done so in a thoughtful and intentional way that aligns with your future academic goals. Don't take certain classes just because you think colleges "want to see it." It's your interests, experiences, and what you do with them that truly add value to your profile.