Choosing Classes: The Do's and Don'ts

The sight of blooming flowers and a brightening sun in early Spring brings with it not only the hope of a new season, but also the responsibility of subject selection. For me, subject selection is one of the most stressful times of the year: it is the time of year where you set up your path for the following year. Choosing your classes is an integral part of your year and it should be a careful and thoughtful process. Now, don't freak out, as long as you follow these tips you should be okay!

Do's:

1. Do think carefully about the classes you'd like to sign up for.

2. Do challenge yourself.

3. Do take classes in subjects you're passionate about........ even if no one else is.

If you love French or Computer Science, go ahead and take the AP levels. Take a chance!

4. Do use your electives to figure what subjects interest you.

Don'ts:

1. Don't take classes just because your friends are taking them. This is my #1 piece of advice!!

I know this is tempting as there's nothing better than being in class with your friends, but odds are there are interests you have that your friends share. Don't forfeit those interests just because you'll be separated from your friends. Think of it this way: in these new classes you'll make new friends and new connections based on similar interest; you're not giving up your friends, you're just making new ones.

2. Don't take classes you don't care about just because they're easy A's.

3. Don't take a lot of pointless electives.

4. Don't be afraid of difficult classes. Difficult classes are usually the ones you get the most of.

All the best,

Laura