High School Course Selections: A Guide to Making Informed Decisions

In the last week alone, I've had at least six parents contact me asking for advice on what courses their high school student should take next year. As a doctor who is also a college advisor, I will talk in this post about general course selections for high school students, as well as course selection advice specific to students considering a premed path.

The classes your high school student will choose during these next few years will not only shape their academic experience but also have a lasting impact on their college applications, career interests, and personal development. As a parent, you want to make the best decisions for your student and may be wondering how to strike the right balance between offering guidance and respecting your teen’s independence.

This guide is designed to help you support your high school student in making informed decisions when it comes to selecting courses for the upcoming school year. From understanding graduation requirements to exploring extracurricular opportunities and planning for post-high school goals, here’s how you can help your student navigate the course selection process.

1. Understand Graduation Requirements before finalizing high school course selections

Before diving into specific course choices, it’s important to familiarize yourself and your teen with your school’s graduation requirements. High schools typically have core subject areas that must be fulfilled for students to graduate. These include:

• English Language Arts

• Mathematics

• Science

• Social Studies

• Foreign Language

• Physical Education and Health

With respect to math, it is often a good idea to expose your student if possible to calculus and/or statistics. Many fields of study such as engineering and even premed requirements rely on calculus. Statistics is also required as a premed course before applying to medical school, which is importance to consider later on when navigating the medical school application process. If your student needs a jump start on math, website Membership on my website ($100 for 12 months) will provide your high school student with access to videos on Algebra 1,2, and precalculus, as well as the ability to request videos on specific topics. Summer is a great time to get a head start on advanced math so if you have questions on the membership feel free to use the Live Chat function on this website as well.

The Membership also includes resources on SAT prep and a 60 day self paced SAT study plan that can be used during the summer. You can request Membership by going to the Home page of this website and clicking the tab at the top that states "Become a Site Member."

Your student's school may also have elective courses and additional requirements, such as arts or technology credits. Some states or school districts might also require community service hours or specific testing (such as state standardized tests).

Help your teen map out what they’ve already completed and what’s still required, ensuring they are on track to meet the necessary graduation credits. This is a helpful baseline to guide the decision-making process for elective courses. I also encourage meeting with your student's high school counselor at least once if not twice per academic year, particularly to ensure your student is on track to graduate by the end of their senior year.

2. Balance Core Subjects with Electives

Many schools offer a wide variety of electives, ranging from art and music to computer science and psychology. This is an excellent opportunity for your teen to discover passions, develop new skills, and even prepare for future college or career paths. When helping guide families through the college application process, I sometimes will encounter students who are not quite certain what major they want to apply to universities to. One of the things that can be done now (for example, if your student is a freshman) is consider what electives might stimulate your high school student's interests. Even if it doesn't ultimately end up being their chosen major, electives can be formative with revealing your student's strengths and interests, all of which can be core to writing the best college essays possible when it is time for that.

3. Explore Advanced Courses and Specializations

As students enter their sophomore and junior years, they may begin to consider more advanced courses in subjects they enjoy or in areas they wish to explore in greater depth. Here’s what to consider when it comes to advanced coursework:

• Honors Courses: These classes are generally more challenging and may offer more in-depth learning. While they can improve your teen’s academic profile, they also require a greater commitment in terms of time and effort. If your child excels in a particular subject area, an honors course could be a good fit.

• Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Courses: AP and IB courses are college-level courses that can give students a head start in higher education. Successfully completing AP exams or IB assessments may even allow your teen to earn college credit. Keep in mind that AP and IB courses are known for their rigor, and students should be prepared for the increased workload.

  A key piece of advice that I provide students and their families when they contact me is: Seek out information from students who have already taken AP courses you are considering and ask them:

  -What teachers are the best for learning the material?

  -What's the expected workload per day or per week for the course?

  -How many AP courses/honors courses did they take alongside the course of interest and was it manageable for them?

• Dual Enrollment: Some high schools partner with local community colleges to offer dual enrollment programs, where students can take college-level courses for both high school and college credit. This can be a great opportunity for students looking to challenge themselves and get a head start on their college education.

When deciding if advanced courses are right for your teen, consider their academic strengths, long-term goals, and how much time they have to devote to studying. It’s important to choose a challenging schedule but not overwhelm them.

Takeaway-Put in Perspective:

If your student takes five AP courses and excels in them, that looks far more impressive on a transcript compared to a student who takes six AP courses and is overwhelmed and obtains a C or multiple Bs.

4. Consider Your student's Career and College Goals for high school course selections

Course selection should be aligned with your teen’s future goals. If your child is planning to attend college, it’s important to keep in mind the types of courses that colleges look for. Here are a few things to consider:

• College Admissions Requirements: Different colleges may have different expectations when it comes to high school coursework. Most competitive universities look for students who have taken a challenging set of core courses (math, science, English, and social studies) along with electives in areas like foreign languages or the arts. If your teen has a particular college in mind, research the academic requirements for that school to ensure they’re on the right track.

  I will do a plug here for students interested in applying to strong premed programs, BS/MD programs, or similar medical path related programs. During your sophomore year, it is a good idea to look up the specific requirements for BS/MD programs (level of math, for example, and types/numbers of science coursers). This will save you much stress later on when navigating the college application process as a prospective premed student.

• Career Interests: Now, more generally-if your high school student has a particular career interest, selecting courses that align with that field can provide valuable experience. For example, a student interested in engineering may benefit from advanced math and science courses, while a future writer might focus on English and creative writing electives. It’s also important to consider the possibility of internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs in the field of interest to gain practical experience.

5. Encourage Extracurricular Activities and Time Management

Finally, keep in mind that high school isn’t just about academics. Extracurricular activities—such as sports, music, clubs, and volunteer work—can play a huge role in your high school student's overall development, which will directly translate to their success in the college application process. When helping your high school student make their course selections, be sure to consider their involvement in extracurriculars and how their academic workload might affect their ability to participate.

Also, talk to your student about the importance of time management. Balancing homework, extracurriculars, family time, and a social life can be challenging, so it’s crucial that your student learns how to manage their time effectively.

6. Have an Open Dialogue with Your student

Ultimately, the decision-making process should be collaborative. Your role as a parent is to offer guidance, ask thoughtful questions, and help your teen understand the long-term implications of their choices. However, it’s equally important to let your teen take ownership of their decisions. After all, high school is a time for them to explore their interests, challenge themselves, and begin thinking about their future.

Sit down with your student and talk through their options. Ask them what they’re passionate about, what they’re struggling with, and where they see themselves in a few years. Encourage them to seek advice from teachers, counselors, and upperclassmen who have taken the courses they’re considering.

Conclusion

Course selection can be a stressful process, but with thoughtful planning and open communication, you can help your student make informed decisions that will set them up for success in high school and beyond. By balancing graduation requirements with academic interests, considering long-term goals, and supporting extracurricular involvement, you’ll give your teen the tools they need to create a well-rounded, fulfilling high school experience.

Remember, course selection isn’t just about what’s next—it’s about creating a foundation for your student's future, one class at a time.

Feel free to leave comments with questions and I will do my best to answer them in a timely manner. Also consider subscribing so you don't miss a blog post.

Dr. Medeeha Khan