Scheduling 101
Students are engaged in learning the French culture , a course offered at the school. Photo by: Katelin Tyler
February 1, 2017
AP, honors, academic, French class, Spanish class- there are so many choices and so much stress surrounding what courses to take next year. It can be hard trying to figure out what classes you should take based on a description, so here are a couple tips to help you pick the right schedule, matching up your dedication level and helping you balance your workload.
- Get your requirements out of the way.
Not every class you take will be your favorite, but in order to graduate, there are some classes that are required. Your required classes can range from computer classes to gym classes to science classes. When scheduling, plan ahead and get the basic required courses out of the way, using your elective spaces. For example, you are required to schedule two gym classes throughout your high school career, so my best advice is schedule the classes that you don’t want to take in your freshman and sophomore year so you won’t be cramming it in your later years of high school enabling you to focus on the classes you feel passionate about.
- Enroll in the classes that you love.
Students emerge themselves into the French culture, a course these students are passionate about. Photo by: Katelin Tyler
High school is all about you, figuring out what you like and don’t like and ultimately what you want to pursue. After middle school you really have the opportunity to hone in on your interests in high school, so don’t let the opportunity pass. If you love writing and creating stories, take Digital Media. If you really want to improve your art skills, take one of the various art classes offered. At Susky, there is a broad range of classes that will target everybody’s interests.
- Do not over schedule.
High school can be a very stressful time between managing social and academic life, but it can be easily managed if you don’t over schedule. You know yourself better than anyone, and if you know you don’t like to do work in class, do not take a honors or AP class that will keep you constantly busy with work. You can focus on the work you have in some academic core classes. On the other hand, if you’re ready for a challenge, take the next level and incorporate a honors or AP class in your schedule. Remember to only take what you can handle!
- Do not take a class because your friends are.
Classes you schedule are the classes that you need to be able to succeed in, so don’t schedule a class you have no interest in just because you want to be with your friends. Focus on yourself and your school work, and then focus on your social time with friends. Lunch, after school and between classes can be when you focus on your friends. Even though it can be tempting to sign up for a class your friends are taking just to be in the same class, do not take it if you will not pass.
- Do not hesitate to change your class.
Luckily, you are not stuck in that class the whole year if you figure out in the first couple of days you do not like it. Don’t hesitate to stay in the class if you think it will be too much work or you think you need more of a challenge. Guidance is always there to help you figure out what class will be the best fit for you and what class you need to take to graduate and pass. It only takes a signature on a paper to get you where you need to be.
Remember high school is your time to take the classes you want and to figure out a possible career that will best fit you. So really take the time when you are scheduling and think about the classes you sign up for and what kind of dedication you will put into the class before you submit your schedule
