How to Choose the Right High School Courses for College: A Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing your high school courses is a big deal—it shapes your learning experience, helps you explore your interests, and plays a major role in college admissions. But don’t stress! With a little planning, you can build a schedule that works for you and sets you up for success.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make smart course choices throughout high school.

Step 1: Find Your High School Course Curriculum Guide

As you start to navigate the exciting journey of high school, take a moment to locate your high school course curriculum guide. Think of this as your roadmap—it lists all the classes your school offers and helps you explore pathways that align with your college and career goals.

Your curriculum guide can introduce you to classes you didn’t even know existed! Curious about psychology? Thinking about taking a business or engineering course? This guide will help you see what’s available so you can build a schedule that excites you.

Step 2: Consider Your Teachers’ Recommendations—But Trust Yourself, Too

Your teachers may offer recommendations for the next level of coursework, especially in core subjects like math, science, and English. Their advice is valuable because they’ve seen your academic strengths firsthand.

But here’s the thing: Teachers don’t see the full picture of your schedule. They don’t know what other tough classes you’re taking or how many extracurricular activities you’re juggling.

A teacher might suggest AP Chemistry because you did well in their science class, but if you’re already signed up for AP U.S. History and an advanced math course, adding another heavy class might not be the best idea.

Use their recommendations as a guide, not a rule. At the end of the day, you know yourself best! Ask yourself:

✔️ Will this class challenge me in a good way, or will it overwhelm me?
✔️ Do I have enough time to keep up with homework, sports, clubs, and personal time?
✔️ Am I genuinely interested in this subject?

A little challenge is great, but balance is key!

Step 3: Know What Colleges Expect

Colleges don’t just look at your grades—they also consider the courses you took. While every school has slightly different requirements, most colleges recommend:

English: 4 years
Math: At least 3 years (Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II), but 4 years is better
Science: 3 years of lab sciences (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)
Social Studies: 2-3 years (including U.S. History, World History, and Government)
Foreign Language: 2-4 years of the same language
Arts: At least 1 year of visual or performing arts

If you have a particular college or major in mind, check their website to see if they have specific requirements. Some majors, like engineering or pre-med, may require extra math and science courses.

Step 4: Find the Right Balance Between Challenge and Manageability

Colleges love to see students challenge themselves, but that doesn’t mean you need to take every AP or honors class your school offers. A mix of rigorous courses and manageable ones is the way to go.

When choosing your schedule, think about:

• Your strengths and interests – If you love history, maybe AP U.S. History makes sense, but if you struggle with math, you might not want to overload yourself with AP Calculus.

• Your other commitments – Sports, clubs, jobs, and family responsibilities all take time. Make sure your schedule leaves room for everything that’s important to you.

• Your future goals – If you’re considering a science-related major, taking an extra science class could help. If you’re into writing, an advanced English course might be a great choice.

If a class is too easy, you won’t feel challenged. If it’s too hard, it might hurt your GPA and stress you out. Find that sweet spot!

Step 5: Stick With Core Subjects All Four Years

Even if your high school only requires three years of math, science, or foreign language, colleges like to see students stick with core subjects all four years.

For example, if you’ve already completed your math requirement but you’re thinking about skipping math senior year—don’t! Colleges prefer to see students take continuous coursework in key subjects. If you’re not a big fan of math, a course like Statistics might be a good alternative to keep your skills sharp.

Step 6: Explore Electives and Extracurriculars

Electives let you explore new interests and show colleges more about who you are. If your school offers elective courses, consider taking:

💻 Computer Science – Coding and digital skills are valuable in many careers.
💰 Business or Economics – Great if you’re interested in finance, entrepreneurship, or marketing.
🧠 Psychology or Sociology – Helpful if you’re curious about people and how they think.
🎨 Music, Art, or Theater – These classes let you be creative and have fun!

Extracurricular activities, like joining a club, playing a sport, or volunteering, also show colleges what you’re passionate about beyond the classroom.

Step 7: Check In With Your Counselor and Adjust as Needed

Your school counselor is a great resource! Meet with them at least once a year to review your schedule and make sure you're on track for college. If your interests change or you realize a class isn’t the right fit, don’t be afraid to adjust your plan.

Some things to discuss with your counselor:
✅ Are my courses aligned with my college and career goals?
✅ Should I add or drop any challenging courses?
✅ Am I on track to meet graduation and college requirements?

It’s okay to change your mind! High school is about learning and growing, so don’t be afraid to tweak your schedule if needed.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Choosing your high school courses wisely can open doors to great college opportunities. By balancing challenge and enjoyment, sticking with core subjects, and exploring new areas, you’ll be setting yourself up for success.

And remember—your schedule should reflect YOU—not just what looks impressive on a college application. Pick classes that challenge you in a good way, not ones that make you feel overwhelmed.

📌 Need help planning? Check out college websites or talk to your school counselor for more guidance! 😊