Many students are partway through the second semester of the school year at this point. Tests are coming up, college admissions are being sent out, and life is becoming more hectic for many students. This is also usually when most students begin choosing classes for their next school year. With the many options available to them, it can become overwhelming. Thus, I thought it would be nice to provide some tips that I would have much appreciated when choosing my classes.
1. Get a grasp of what the next five to ten years will look like.
Understanding where you want to be in the near future helps immensely. Decide what path you want to take. Regardless of the education level or what you are pursuing next, having a clear-cut plan of action helps narrow down your choices.
2. Research, research, research.
Do your research. Take your immediate future plans and discover what skills will be necessary. This helps narrow down the list of possible classes. Then, find out what prerequisites are for classes you hope to take. This will determine a rough outline of the path that must be taken.
3. Choose classes that you know you will enjoy taking.
There is no point in taking a class you will not enjoy. Yes, this advice does not apply to mandatory classes. However, consider why you are choosing a course when doing so. No matter how good a class may look on transcripts, the bottom line is, if you do not enjoy what you are studying, you will not be able to do as well. This does not mean you will necessarily fail; instead, it means that you will not be able to give 100% of your effort and focus because of a lack of interest.
4. Choose classes that will be beneficial to you.
This point may seem contradictory to the previous one, but it is not. A beneficial class is not necessarily boring. When receiving an education, it is important to receive information that will benefit you, whether preparing you for a specific career or helping you in life. If that means taking classes that are a bit less interesting to you, then balance that with classes that do interest you.
5. Balance is key.
Ensure that you will be able to stay sane following the schedule of classes you choose. Consider what your properties are. Is having some downtime vital to you? Then do not fill your schedule with all heavy workload courses. Is waking up early in the morning an impossible feat for you? Then do not choose early morning classes. Selecting a schedule that is not realistic for you is a recipe for disaster. Lost time can never be regained, so ensure that you use it wisely.
6. Experiment a bit.
Explore a bit in your course selection. You never know what will end up piquing your interest. Being experimental with the education you receive will make you a well- rounded individual, which is very much sought after in modern society and the work world. A course that seems to be dull can often end up becoming a favorite.
7. Stay true to yourself.
This last point applies more to those considering higher education after high school. Realize that higher education does not guarantee success in life, nor is it necessary for some career paths. Ask yourself where you want to be in the next one, five, ten years. If the career path that you desire requires higher education, then go on with your education. Suppose the career path you desire does not, then do not feel that it is necessary to go to a four-year college or university. Furthermore, be the judge of what is realistic for your situation. If you desire higher education but cannot afford to attend a college or university immediately, consider taking online courses or classes at a community college.