What type of English classes should I take in high school?

Hiya! So, I want to major in English in college but I'm not sure which English classes would best prepare me in high school. Could use your suggestions here.

I'd recommend a balanced approach for your English classes throughout high school, which should ideally include a focus on literature, composition, critical reading skills, as well as creative writing if available at your school.

Start with the standard English classes provided at your high school. These are usually required and cover a wide range of reading materials and writing skills. Literature-based English classes are particularly helpful because they expose you to a variety of genres, authors, and literary periods. This exposure will not only help you develop a critical reading ability but also enrich your understanding of various literary themes and techniques.

Composition or writing-based classes should also be on your list. These would help you strengthen your writing skills and help you experiment with various formats like essays, narratives, arguments, or research papers. Strong writing skills are crucial for any future English major as they form the foundation for your coursework in college.

Lastly, if your high school offers AP English classes (like AP Literature or AP Language), consider taking these as they are college-level courses that could earn you college credit and help you stand out in admissions. Remember though, the AP scores in themselves don't really matter much for admissions, but the rigor of the courses and the grades you get in them are important.

The overall idea is to engage in diverse reading and writing experiences in high school to equip yourself well for English studies in college. Ultimately, the specific classes will depend on what your high school offers, but as an overall approach, this could potentially set you up well for your chosen major.