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What classes to choose in college?
I am a senior in high school
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5 answers
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Briana’s Answer
Hi, Isaiah,
When you first go into university, whether it's a 4-year college or community college, you'll have to get some general education/distribution credits. These usually, but not always, include:
-Composition
-Mathematics and/or statistics
-Natural and physical sciences (biology, physics, chemistry, astronomy, etc)
-Social science (economics, sociology, anthropology, psychology, etc)
-Fine arts and/or humanities (literature, classics, foreign language, art classes)
Try to get these done first because they are required for graduation regardless of your chosen major. But also remember to start taking more classes that interests you as well! These can be related to your chosen major, of you have an idea of it already, or they can be classes that just sound fun and interesting. For example, my first semester if college I took Intro Biology, Classical Mythology, Statistics, and Medical Physics. These all counted towards some part of the general distribution credits I needed but also helped me work towards my major (like statistics and bio) or were just really fun and interesting to take (like classical mythology).
When you first go into university, whether it's a 4-year college or community college, you'll have to get some general education/distribution credits. These usually, but not always, include:
-Composition
-Mathematics and/or statistics
-Natural and physical sciences (biology, physics, chemistry, astronomy, etc)
-Social science (economics, sociology, anthropology, psychology, etc)
-Fine arts and/or humanities (literature, classics, foreign language, art classes)
Try to get these done first because they are required for graduation regardless of your chosen major. But also remember to start taking more classes that interests you as well! These can be related to your chosen major, of you have an idea of it already, or they can be classes that just sound fun and interesting. For example, my first semester if college I took Intro Biology, Classical Mythology, Statistics, and Medical Physics. These all counted towards some part of the general distribution credits I needed but also helped me work towards my major (like statistics and bio) or were just really fun and interesting to take (like classical mythology).
Updated
Angela’s Answer
In your first two years you will most likely have a lot of required, foundational courses and not many electives. Those foundational courses may vary slightly depending on the degree you are pursuing (for example, engineering majors will likely have slightly different, foundational courses than a business major or liberal arts major). Your college will tell you what your required, foundational course are, so don't worry.
For your electives, I recommend using it as an opportunity to explore different career paths. This will help you figure out what you are good at and what interests you. Don't feel like you have to know your major or career path now or even in your first or second year. It's common for people to not know what they want to do, even after they graduate. Use college as an opportunity to learn. Be curious. Join different clubs.
Here's a career secret (shhh... don't tell anyone :)) -
Unless you are going into a highly technical field (like astro-physics), your major isn't terribly important. As long as you get good grades, you will have options, regardless of your major. I had a hard time figuring out my path in college. I changed majors several times and ended up majoring in architecture with a minor in math. My career for the past 15+ years has been in marketing, and I love it.
For your electives, I recommend using it as an opportunity to explore different career paths. This will help you figure out what you are good at and what interests you. Don't feel like you have to know your major or career path now or even in your first or second year. It's common for people to not know what they want to do, even after they graduate. Use college as an opportunity to learn. Be curious. Join different clubs.
Here's a career secret (shhh... don't tell anyone :)) -
Unless you are going into a highly technical field (like astro-physics), your major isn't terribly important. As long as you get good grades, you will have options, regardless of your major. I had a hard time figuring out my path in college. I changed majors several times and ended up majoring in architecture with a minor in math. My career for the past 15+ years has been in marketing, and I love it.
Thank you so much, Angela!
ISAIAH
Updated
Michel’s Answer
College is going to be a little bit different from high school. I would suggest picking classes that are going to be degree pertinent and in things you like because there is going to be a transition period when you first start up classes. Picking classes that you think would be interesting can help you ease into the new transition with less bumps in the road rather than taking the hardest classes possible. It can also help to pick classes that have a smaller class size so you can meet some other people that have a similar interest or degree path. Obviously class size is dependent on university and what kinds of classes you will need. Advisors for the university can be really helpful when looking at classes and goals, and they can give you a good idea on how to transition from high school to college. Either way congrats on your path to college you are doing amazing by being prepared. Best of luck to you.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Isaiah,
Mastering College Course Selection: An Actionable Guide for High School Seniors
As you stand on the brink of your college journey, feelings of exhilaration and anxiety may mingle. One pivotal choice you'll confront during this phase is the selection of appropriate college courses. This actionable guide is designed to support you through this process, ensuring your choices align seamlessly with your academic ambitions and future career path.
Pinpoint Your Interests and Career Objectives: Prior to picking classes, it's essential to grasp your interests and career goals clearly. Broaden your perspective by exploring diverse fields via internships, volunteering, or informational interviews. This exploration will guide you to the majors or study areas that truly resonate with you.
Consult an Academic Advisor: Arrange a consultation with your high school guidance counselor or a college academic advisor. They can offer invaluable insights into the necessary courses for specific majors and help craft a plan that caters to your interests and objectives.
Examine Course Descriptions: After compiling a list of potential classes, delve into their descriptions in detail. Seek out courses that align with your chosen major or interest area, particularly those providing hands-on learning and practical experience.
Understand Prerequisites: Stay informed about any prerequisites or corequisites (courses to be taken simultaneously) for advanced classes in your chosen major. Completing these fundamental courses early on can save you time and ensure a smoother college journey.
Discover General Education Requirements: Most colleges mandate students to fulfill general education requirements in areas like English composition, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and fine arts. These courses lay a broad learning foundation and can also present opportunities to delve into new subjects outside your major.
Explore Electives: Electives offer the chance to delve into subjects that may not directly connect to your major but still spark your interest. These courses can widen your perspective and might lead to unexpected discoveries or newfound passions.
Think Ahead: Reflect on how your current course choices could influence future semesters and even your graduation timeline. Crafting a balanced schedule that harmonizes required courses, electives, and extracurricular activities can foster academic success while maintaining a healthy work-life equilibrium throughout college.
Remain Adaptable: Maintain an open mindset when choosing classes and be ready for changes as you advance through college. Situations may arise necessitating adjustments to your schedule or academic focus; staying adaptable will enable you to effectively navigate these scenarios while persistently striving towards your long-term objectives.
Authoritative References Consulted:
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) - “Preparing Students for Success: The Role of General Education” (2019)
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) - “Digest of Education Statistics” (2021)
National Academies Press - “Science Education for All: Achieving Equity at All Levels” (2014)
God Bless You,
JC.
Mastering College Course Selection: An Actionable Guide for High School Seniors
As you stand on the brink of your college journey, feelings of exhilaration and anxiety may mingle. One pivotal choice you'll confront during this phase is the selection of appropriate college courses. This actionable guide is designed to support you through this process, ensuring your choices align seamlessly with your academic ambitions and future career path.
Pinpoint Your Interests and Career Objectives: Prior to picking classes, it's essential to grasp your interests and career goals clearly. Broaden your perspective by exploring diverse fields via internships, volunteering, or informational interviews. This exploration will guide you to the majors or study areas that truly resonate with you.
Consult an Academic Advisor: Arrange a consultation with your high school guidance counselor or a college academic advisor. They can offer invaluable insights into the necessary courses for specific majors and help craft a plan that caters to your interests and objectives.
Examine Course Descriptions: After compiling a list of potential classes, delve into their descriptions in detail. Seek out courses that align with your chosen major or interest area, particularly those providing hands-on learning and practical experience.
Understand Prerequisites: Stay informed about any prerequisites or corequisites (courses to be taken simultaneously) for advanced classes in your chosen major. Completing these fundamental courses early on can save you time and ensure a smoother college journey.
Discover General Education Requirements: Most colleges mandate students to fulfill general education requirements in areas like English composition, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and fine arts. These courses lay a broad learning foundation and can also present opportunities to delve into new subjects outside your major.
Explore Electives: Electives offer the chance to delve into subjects that may not directly connect to your major but still spark your interest. These courses can widen your perspective and might lead to unexpected discoveries or newfound passions.
Think Ahead: Reflect on how your current course choices could influence future semesters and even your graduation timeline. Crafting a balanced schedule that harmonizes required courses, electives, and extracurricular activities can foster academic success while maintaining a healthy work-life equilibrium throughout college.
Remain Adaptable: Maintain an open mindset when choosing classes and be ready for changes as you advance through college. Situations may arise necessitating adjustments to your schedule or academic focus; staying adaptable will enable you to effectively navigate these scenarios while persistently striving towards your long-term objectives.
Authoritative References Consulted:
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) - “Preparing Students for Success: The Role of General Education” (2019)
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) - “Digest of Education Statistics” (2021)
National Academies Press - “Science Education for All: Achieving Equity at All Levels” (2014)
God Bless You,
JC.
Updated
Erica’s Answer
Hi,
Picking classes can be challenging but I would recommend working with a college counselor or transfer counsel (if you want to go to community college first) and they can help put together a plan for you. Requirements at schools vary and you don't need to pick your major right away.
I went to community college and my plan was that I wanted to transfer to a 4-year university in 2 years and I studied business. My transfer counsel helped me put together a schedule to the schools I were interested in.
Good luck!
Picking classes can be challenging but I would recommend working with a college counselor or transfer counsel (if you want to go to community college first) and they can help put together a plan for you. Requirements at schools vary and you don't need to pick your major right away.
I went to community college and my plan was that I wanted to transfer to a 4-year university in 2 years and I studied business. My transfer counsel helped me put together a schedule to the schools I were interested in.
Good luck!