Course registration is now open, and with it comes a lot of questions and concerns about next year’s classes. Here are my recommendations based on my experiences and observations:
Sophomore year is a great opportunity to reflect on your Freshman year and make adjustments to your courses. If you felt like some of your choices last year weren’t the best fit, this is the time to correct them. I highly recommend challenging yourself by taking AP World History. Although it’s a demanding class, it’s an excellent introduction to AP-level work. Experience in AP classes now will benefit you greatly, especially since you’ll run into more of them in junior year. Plus, you might even earn college credit. Another class worth considering is Psychology. I took AP Psychology, which was an incredibly engaging and enjoyable course. While AP Psych will not be offered next year, the Psych 1 class covers similar material and has received excellent reviews. If you have space in your schedule, a psychology class is definitely worth it. Finally, for students strong in math, consider enrolling in Honors IM 2 or Honors IM 3. These courses may be challenging, but they serve as excellent preparation for future math courses, especially if you plan to pursue STEM, economics, or business in college. Taking an honors-level math class now will strengthen your academic foundation and set you up for success.
For juniors, I recommend continuing the strategies that worked well for you in sophomore year. Junior year is often the most difficult in terms of course load, so be prepared for an increase in class difficulty. If you’re considering taking a more challenging class, this is the year to go for it. The hard work you put in now will pay off in the long run. Additionally, if you haven’t already, this is a good time to explore dual enrollment opportunities. These classes allow you to earn college credit while still in high school, which can be a huge advantage in the future. In terms of specific courses, I suggest taking AP US History. It’s similar to AP World History but focused on American history. Not only will it enhance your transcript, but it will also help you develop strong writing skills. Junior year is no joke, and it’s important to balance the academic rigor with something fun. Consider taking an elective that doesn’t add too much stress but still enriches your high school experience. Classes like music, art, weight lifting, or culinary arts can provide a refreshing break from more demanding subjects. If your schedule is already packed, you might also want to consider taking open periods. Just be sure to use that time productively—whether it’s for studying, catching up on assignments, or volunteering.
The choices you make now will help shape your academic journey. Choose wisely, challenge yourself, and remember to make time for the things that make you happy. Good luck with your course selections!