Consider your future goals and what classes will help you get there

It can be overwhelming to consider your future goals and figure out how to achieve them, especially in the midst of all the distractions and commitments of high school life. But as with most things worth achieving, it pays off to plan ahead. Think through the classes you are taking now — or will take in the future — and explore how they fit into your larger plans for where you want to take your life. Research different courses that not only provide you with knowledge relevant to your goals but also challenge you with a certain level of rigor. Once you have identified which classes fit best into that criteria, focus on doing your very best and make sure that when it comes time for applications or other milestones in your career, you will have no regrets about putting in the effort now.

Talk to your parents or guardians about what they think would be best for you

It can sometimes be difficult to have an open dialogue between teenagers and their parents or guardians, but it is an important part of understanding what would be best for you. With busy schedules, taking the time to talk with your guardians could be a beneficial use of your time. Your parents can draw on both their personal experiences, as well as resources from the community, to provide guidance on your goals, feelings and ambitions. Talking with them is also a great way to strengthen your relationship. An open conversation will lead to a better understanding of what’s best for you and help create clarity in the decision-making process.

Ask upperclassmen or teachers for their opinion on which classes are the most challenging or interesting

Asking upperclassmen or teachers for their opinion on which classes are the most challenging or interesting is a great way to prepare yourself before jumping into a new school year. Upperclassmen have been there and done that, so they can offer invaluable insight on what classes may be more difficult and how to best prepare for them. Furthermore, teachers can provide recommendations of courses that were engaging and interesting for past students. Gathering advice from those who have experience with the courses will give you an idea of what to expect as you plan your class schedule. It never hurts to ask for help!

Balance the number of difficult classes with easier ones, so you don't get overwhelmed

Taking difficult classes can certainly push you out of your comfort zone and help to expand your knowledge, but it's important to also make sure that you are able to manage your rigor effectively. Taking just a handful of difficult classes at once can be overwhelming, so achieving a balance between easy and hard classes is important. You don't necessarily need to take all easy or all hard classes - strive for a mix of rigor levels that will challenge you without feeling too taxing on your time or mental energy. It's ok if the workload gets challenging from time to time - but knowing how to balance the difficulty of your courses allows you to focus your attention where it needs to be.

Make sure you're taking classes that you'll enjoy and will help you grow as a person

Making sure that the classes you choose align with your interests and will provide you with valuable life skills or experiences is important. It sets a foundation for personal success in college and beyond by helping to ensure that you are engaging in activities that make the most of our educational and career opportunities. By taking classes that both excite us and challenge us intellectually, we can establish meaningful paths for growth. Whether it’s participating in an essay writing course to improve your writing skills or joining a foreign language class to boost your cultural awareness, exploring new experiences during college can help open up a world of possibilities!

It's important to think about your future goals when you're choosing classes, but it's also essential to pick subjects that you'll enjoy and that will help you grow as a person. Talk to your parents or guardians about what they think would be best for you, ask upperclassmen or teachers for their opinion on which classes are the most challenging or interesting, and try to balance the number of difficult classes with easier ones, so you don't get overwhelmed.