Current IHS juniors will be selecting courses for their senior year soon. When selecting courses, it is always smart to think about how much work each course will require, how busy you will be outside of school, any major changes happening in your life, and how many free periods you will want to have during the school day.
Seniors have many courses open to them. Because all students are required to take four years of both English and Social Studies, and Government and Economics are required courses for graduation, most seniors take Gov for one semester and Econ during the other. Seniors can choose which English class to take. In addition to these classes, seniors can choose to take math, science, art, or additional Social-Studies and English classes.
According to my experience, it’s best to have a smaller number of classes but to choose ones that are challenging and interesting. In junior year, I took AP Environmental Science, AP U.S. History, AP English Language, Film Photography, and Choir, as well as required courses such as health and gym. I thoroughly enjoyed APES, AP Lang, Photography, and Choir. It was great to take classes that were both fun for me and would look good on college applications, allowing me to earn college credits if I did well.
This year, my senior year, I am only taking one AP course, AP Human Geography. I am really enjoying the class. However, I wish I had signed up for two AP classes, because I enjoyed the challenge they gave me last year. For my English class, I am taking WISE.
WISE is only open to seniors. During the first semester, the course is run like a normal English class, with an emphasis on critical thinking and learning about oneself. During the second semester, students design a project to complete over the remainder of the year, culminating in each student giving a presentation on their project. At the time of writing, WISE students are just getting started with their projects, but I am already so glad that I took the course. I am very excited for the rest of the year.
What I recommend for seniors:
- Take at least 1 AP; they are challenging, fun, and if you do well, you can get college credits. If you are taking AP courses, make sure you find them interesting.
- If there is something you have always wanted to do, take WISE.
- Try a class that isn’t a “core class.” Pick an elective that really interests you.
- Don’t put too many classes in your schedule, but don’t give yourself too many free periods either.
- Challenge yourself and take courses you enjoy.