High school is a big change for most students—not only can it feel like a different environment, but you may feel like there’s a lot at stake, with certain decisions in 9th grade making a difference by the time you’re a senior and applying to colleges. When evaluating your transcript, colleges consider the choices you made throughout high school, including which courses you chose in the four years, how you increasingly challenged yourself, and how you succeeded or bounced back from setbacks. As a result, choosing your 9th grade classes is a crucial decision.
You may feel a certain pressure to make the right choices. To help guide you through the process, we’ve outlined some questions that can help you prioritize your interests, goals, and requirements, alongside ensuring that you transition smoothly as you begin this new challenging, but exciting, journey.
- What are your school’s graduation requirements?
- What is a typical freshman year courseload like for students at your high school?
- What subjects have you historically done well in?
- What would you like to major in in college?
- What classes would you require to pursue a specific major, or if you’re not sure yet (it’s okay!), field of study?
- Are you a student who prefers the sciences or humanities?
- Which subject within the sciences or humanities (depending on your strength) have you particularly enjoyed?
- Do you prefer writing-heavy classes?
- Do you prefer classes that require more logic or math?
- Do you pick up foreign languages quickly?
- Do you wish to study abroad or pursue a foreign exchange program that requires being fluent in a specific foreign language?
- Are you interested in studying business in college or might see yourself wanting an MBA?
- Do you plan to be pre-med in college?
- Which electives in high school excite you the most?
- How can your academic interests determine the choices you make this year?
- What classes can you pursue now that will allow you to take the highest levels of science or humanities classes (depending on your interests and goals) available to you by the time you’re a junior or senior?
- If you wish to be a humanities major, which classes would be more reading- and writing-heavy?
- Are there any mandatory classes you can get out of the way your freshman year?
- Can you take the courseload you want and still maintain healthy self-care habits?
- Would your schedule prevent you from pursuing extracurriculars you want?
Once you’ve figured out the direction you wish to take, make sure that you stay organized so you can be on top of your responsibilities. Make sure you have the stationery you need and that you have everything you need to ensure you are learning in the way you best can, whether that’s through writing things down or using flash cards.
The key is to strike a balance between electives and requirements. Make sure you take classes required for graduation but at the same time fill out your course schedule with rigorous electives that demonstrate your unique interests and strengths.
If you won’t have enough hours in the day to adequately complete your coursework (and have some free time to rest and recharge), perhaps reconsider your options as you choose classes.
More importantly, if you believe that your course load will impact your mental health and the quality of your day-to-day life, definitely re-evaluate your course selections. Your health and happiness are important in ensuring success in school.
Your guidance counselor and teachers are also important resources. If you’re not sure which classes to take, ask your high school guidance counselor. Meanwhile, your teachers can help you with problem areas. See them after class if you need more help or require an explanation. Building strong relationships with your teachers also provides you with options when you’ll decide who will write your recommendation letters for college.
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