As the third quarter comes to a close, it becomes time for students to choose their classes for the next exciting school year.  As always, you can change your class selection next year, but it is good to have a head start. 

To keep in mind, the basic graduation requirements before the end of senior year include 4 English credits, 4 Math credits, 3 Science credits, and 3 credits of social studies, 2 Foreign language credits, .25 Gym credits per year, and 1 Art credit.

Our guidance counselors will ensure most of your classes will fulfill those credits above but it’s up to you what type of Science or English classes you take too. Here are my tips when considering what type of classes to take!

• Talk to your friends about what the teachers and work load are like.  
• Don’t overload yourself! If you want to take hard classes, consider how it will fit into your plan outside of school and consider taking free-periods.
• This is your time to take any electives and branch out! If you really want to take music classes, don’t hesitate and take it!
• Try to align your classes with what you might need for your future job or college. Research colleges you want to go to and the credits they take. People going into STEM benefit from AP Language classes, for example, because lots of colleges accept that credit and then the students can take more classes beneficial to their major. 
• Don’t take important classes only because your friends are taking it! It can definitely be a factor if the class has lots of group projects but everyone has their own path and interests!
• But outside of those few required English/Math or the classes that can get you out of taking that class in college, focus on aligning your classes with your future career REGARDLESS of rigor.
• And most importantly: Take classes you enjoy and are interested in! Taking classes just to bump up your G.P.A will be harder to take and will make you miserable. The amount of classes you take won’t matter if you can’t handle the work inside and out of school. 

And for incoming seniors: 

• Consider senioritis (I bet most of us are even feeling junioritis right now)! Make sure to account for the stress of college applications (if you’re applying) in your workload! Don’t bite more off than you can chew!