Coming to high school can be intimidating and overwhelming, trying to figure out what your hobbies are, your way around the school, and who your people are. One thing I wish I had as a freshman was a guide to what the classes were like. So, based on my experience, here are some recommendations and advice to help with your upcoming course selections, and just some things I wish I knew at the time.
One thing about coming to a new place is coming in with an open mind, don’t choose your classes based on what your friends are doing or what seems more popular, choose them based on your own interests and aspirations. Maybe you won’t know everybody in your class at first but that can be a good way to make new friends and expand your social circle.
When it comes to the difficulty of a course you’re choosing to take, don’t be scared to step out of your comfort zone, but make sure you’re choosing to take a harder class for the right reasons. AP classes for example, in my experience I have enjoyed many of my AP classes but there have been times I have been very overwhelmed. There’s often a lot of pressure around taking AP classes, and it can feel like you have to be in them to succeed or get into a good college. But the reality is, not being in an AP course doesn’t mean you’re any less smart or capable. AP classes offer more rigorous content and can help boost your GPA, but they aren’t a determining factor to college or success. Colleges look at the full picture, your grades, the courses available at your school, extracurriculars, essays, and more. Do an AP class because you feel like it’s a class that will challenge you but you will still enjoy and get something out of.
As you go through the years you will realize your teachers are not your enemies, they are your biggest fans. Maybe some will grade a bit harshly, or give large amounts of homework, but they are trying to get you ready for the real world which isn’t always a forgiving place, build relationships with your teachers so that they know how to help you, and don’t use unethical ways to get through your work, no matter how small the assignment.
My final tip is about electives, CHS has one of the best fine arts programs in the region, our choir classes taught by Mr Cook, Orchestra classes taught by Mrs Waters, and band classes taught by Mr Hackworth, have seen loads of success over the years and all have very positive communities. There is a wide variety of different electives offered at CHS. As I stated before, join ones that fit your interests, even if you don’t think many people you know are taking it, it could be a really amazing experience!
If you choose to go to college after high school and have an idea of what you’d like to study, taking classes related to that field can be a great way to prepare. And if you’re not sure yet that’s completely normal too.
In summary, as you go into sophomore year, Junior, and senior year, there will be a lot more flexibility in your choices, yes you will need a required amount of math, english, science, social studies, and some sort of elective credits, but there is a wide variety of classes that you can choose within these categories. Choose classes that will fulfill your high school experience, while also preparing you for the future.
