By Unigostaff
Attention high school juniors! As you approach your senior year, it’s time to start thinking about your schedule and how to impress colleges. While taking a schedule filled with easy classes might sound like a great idea, it won’t impress colleges. On the other hand, overloading yourself with too many advanced classes is not the way to go either. So, what’s the secret to creating the perfect senior schedule? Here are some tips to help you plan a senior-year schedule that’s perfect just for you and increase your chances of getting noticed by colleges.
Challenge yourself
If you’re a strong student who has done well in advanced classes so far, it’s time to take it up a notch. Look into AP or Dual Enrollment courses to add to your schedule. This could even earn you college credits for free! However, make sure you are honest with yourself and will be able to keep up with a rigorous schedule. It’s better to have a strong schedule that shows you maintained an A than a fully-loaded schedule where you dropped to a C+ by midyear.
Remember your core
Throughout your high school career, you should have taken classes in the main academic areas: math, English, social studies, science, and foreign language. As you approach your senior year, consider your goals in college, potential majors, and core classes that will better prepare you for the future. If you plan to become an engineer, you may want to double up on math and drop a non-essential elective like home economics. Make sure to keep things balanced by having at least four core classes and one or two electives.
Make room for life
While having an impressive schedule is important, it’s not the only thing that colleges look at. Admissions offices also want to see that you’re an active student outside of the classroom. Don’t overload your schedule to the point where you can’t make time for volunteering, scholarship applications, possible internships, and extracurricular activities. Being a smart student is great, but being a well-rounded student is even better.
Relax
It’s going to be your senior year, so make sure to enjoy it! Work hard to challenge yourself and do well, and you’re bound to impress colleges. Remember that there’s a school for everyone, and your unique strengths will be an asset to some college out there. If you’re unsure of which school is right for you, try our free college match!
Conclusion
There’s no perfect senior-year schedule, but following these tips will help you create a schedule that’s perfect for you. Challenge yourself, remember your core classes, make room for extracurricular activities, and enjoy your senior year. With hard work and dedication, you’ll impress colleges and find the school that’s the best fit for you.