• Take Classes That Interest You 

This is probably the most important advice I can give, and while it may seem obvious, I feel like it is too often neglected. For a moment, forget about what you want your job to be in the future, or what you want to major in college, or what your parents think is important, or what your friends are taking. What interests YOU? Take an art class, a photography class, a class about history, computer science, medical biology. High school is not just a fast track to college. Take classes that you find interesting, not just the ones you think are important to take. 

• Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things

This is good advice for most of life, but it’s really applicable here. Just because you’ve never taken a class in a particular subject before doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it. I was terrible with computers before my sophomore year, but I ended up taking Computer Science and loving it. Don’t restrict yourself. High school is, in part, a chance to discover what your interests are, so don’t just stick to one path. Take a class on writing creatively, or a class on law, or journalism. You won’t know if you like it until you try it.

• Don’t Concern Yourself Too Much With The Class Label (AP, Honors, CP)

Now, I’m not saying the labels aren’t important. However, don’t be intimidated by a class just because it’s labeled “AP.” Sure, you might have to work a little harder, there might be some more homework, but you shouldn’t doubt that you will be able to handle a class just because it’s advanced placement. Conversely, don’t be afraid to take CP classes either. Don’t think that, just because a class is a CP class, that colleges won’t like that you’re taking it. CP electives present some of the most diverse topics in the building, and allow you to explore different interests. 

• Think About Your Workload For the Next Year

Make sure you plan things out. What extracurriculars are you planning on doing next year? What sports are you doing, and when? Will you need a study hall (and, if you do have a study hall, will you be able to force yourself to do work in it?) If you find yourself taking five AP classes, and doing tennis, and band, then maybe you need to think about cutting back a bit.

• Consider Your Current Teachers Recommendations

Those recommendations are in Genesis for a reason. Your current teachers know you; your work habits, your academic strengths/weaknesses, and your interests. Ask them what they think you should take next year, and seriously take their advice under consideration.

• Talk To Your Future Teachers

This is another seemingly obvious tip that too often goes neglected. If you know who teaches the class you want to take next year, go and ask them about it. What is the workload like? How much homework do you have? What’s difficult/beneficial about this class? Asking these questions ahead of time will allow you to have a better idea of your future schedule.

• Talk to Students Who Have Taken These Classes

I don’t really need to recommend this, because it happens every year anyway, but I think it’s a valuable step. What’s important is that you ask MULTIPLE people what they thought of the class. Ask upperclassmen you trust, who might have similar interests as you. And remember, just because one person said the class was “impossible,” and the teacher was “terrible” doesn’t actually mean that’s the case.  

• Plan Out Your Schedule More Than One Year in Advance

Of course, your schedule will change a lot as you move through high school. Your interests will change, as will the classes available- however, it is good to have a blueprint for the classes you want to take for the rest of your years of high school, especially if you’re a freshmen. Make sure you check the graduation requirements for your class. Make sure you make a list of the all classes you might be interested in in the future. Having a plan will make choosing classes easier, as well as making sure you don’t miss out on necessary things.