As the new school year is approaching fast, all students need to select new classes for their upcoming schedule. There are endless options that can fit anyone’s interests and strengths, but planning ahead is essential for succeeding in the future. Though the classes Lake Park offers are very intriguing, it’s best to attend the courses fitted for one’s interests and potential college major and that will also not cause a stressful workload.
Students need to keep in mind that they have limited time and space for all the classes they intend to take. Planning your future and preparing for your major starts with choosing the classes that relate to your skills. For example, if a student is interested in becoming a doctor in the future, they should be picking classes related to anatomy, science, and health. On the other hand, if a student is not set on a specific major, they should be taking courses that they would like to learn more about.
“If a student has a career interest they should pick one to two electives based on their intended major. If they don’t have a career interest yet, looking for classes they might be interested in is a good way to find your path,” Mr. Sakiewicz, College and Career Center Counselor, said.
Finding out what you’re good at and what you struggle with will narrow down your major choices.
It’s best for students to take courses or electives according to their time outside of school as well. Teens tend to take on too much work that will lead to stress, so knowing what you can handle keeps you organized. Every student should make an effort to fill up their schedule with activities, but not to a point where they feel overwhelmed. The many AP courses at Lake Park are tempting, so students should consider taking an amount that they feel comfortable with.
“It all depends on the student as to how many AP classes they should take, whether that be two or five. But there is a benefit to taking multiple AP classes since they offer the potential for college credit,” Mr. Sakiewicz said.
If you do bite off more than you can chew, you can always meet with your counselor to discuss possible solutions. There’s no shame in knowing your limits, especially when it comes to your mental health. Balancing tough classes with work, clubs, and sports can cause serious stress. Assess your choices carefully to establish a stable plan for college.
In order to be as confident as possible in your choices, make a meeting with your counselor, get advice from parents or older students, and visit the College and Career Center. Students should be proud of their own unique journey in high school as they continue to explore fields of study that will shape their future.
