The decisions you make within the coming weeks will determine the rest of your high school career.
Every spring, high school students across the nation must decide on the classes they wish to take in the next school year. For some this choice comes easily, picking the classes they know they will like and want to take. For others this choice is incredibly difficult and grueling.
“This year I did not even hesitate to take AP Psych,” said junior Jeanette Chow, “it was a great choice because psych is now my favorite class. But for next year I am still unsure about classes.”
Currently, Carlmont offers about 150 class options to its students and requires some for students to be able to graduate. For most students, especially those who have begun to think about college, choosing between classes can be problematic.
“There are so many choices at Carlmont,” said junior Kiana Ghazouli, “some classes I really want to take, but I don’t think I will have the time for next year.”
At times these requirements, along with the six period restrictions to students not engaged in ASB, music, or dance, can inhibit student choices.
“I have to take a CTE next year, but there are so many classes I would rather be in instead. The graduation requirements are really restraining what I can take,” said junior Eric He.
Choosing a new schedule can also hinge on how hard or easy some classes are. Or in a more college oriented sense: how the classes look to college admissions officers.
Many students want to impress admission officers with a rigorous class schedule while other students simply want to do classes they know they can handle.
“Consistency with classes looks good,” continued He, “but people should go with classes that they are interested in and that won’t be overwhelming.”
When deciding on classes students should take into consideration the amount of interest they have in specific subjects and how that class will enhance their academic career. Realizing the differences between AP, AS and regular classes is a student’s best bet to succeeding in high school.
AP classes are intended to be taught at a college level, and in May, the students take a test that awards college credit for the class if a score of 3 or higher is achieved.
“AP courses are harder than regular classes and overloading on them just to look good is not a good idea,” said Ghazouli.
Many students hold the belief that getting a B in an AP class is better than getting an A in a regular class; however, the best choice is to get an A in the class you would rather be in.
“People should take classes that they like,” said Ghazouli, “classes that they would actually stay awake in and not complain about.”
Beginning next fall, two new classes will be added to the Carlmont roster- AP Chinese, for those who fit the requirements, and AP European History, for sophomores.
“I am excited for AP Chinese,” said He, “before I was really frustrated that Carlmont did not offer this class and I am happy they finally will, I just wish it hadn’t come so late.”
