4 answers
Linnea
Student
Williamstown, Massachusetts
3
Questions
Asked
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How can I find challenging academic classes outside of school?
I'm only just going into HS and really want to start taking AP classes in a year or two, but my school only offers a few starting in 11th grade, and there are no honors classes. This last year wasn't very challenging for me and I'm anxious to really push myself. I'm really interested in math, finance, and psychology as career umbrellas, so to speak. What are some other routes I can take, outside of school? Do online courses actually work? How do I find good ones? Thank you!
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4 answers
Anahi diaz
84
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Anahi’s Answer
1. Local colleges and universities: Many colleges and universities offer programs or courses for high school students. Look into pre-college or summer programs that provide access to advanced courses in various subjects.
2. Community education programs: Check if your local community education center or adult learning center offers classes for high school students. These programs often provide opportunities to take challenging courses outside of the regular school curriculum.
2. Community education programs: Check if your local community education center or adult learning center offers classes for high school students. These programs often provide opportunities to take challenging courses outside of the regular school curriculum.
I'll admit Ive never heard of a community education center, but I think there might be one near me. Thank you for your ideas! I'll definitely be looking into both these opportunities.
Linnea
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
350
Answers
Spanish Fork, Utah
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
You can study for and take CLEP tests or DSST exams (or possibly Excelsior tests if those are still around) and that could give you college level credits to transfer to a college whenever you get around to deciding if you want to attend a college. It can up your level of learning now and also get you college credits for much cheaper.
Oh, I've never heard of those. I'll definitely be looking into them. Thank you for sharing this!
Linnea
Marshall Main
Director, Manager, Videographer
75
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Marshall’s Answer
Linnea-
You always have the option to Audit classes at your local community college or university. You won't get credit for an audit, but you can attend the lectures and gain the knowledge.
There are also a lot of resources online that may be helpful, simply reading trade magazines and books can go a long way to getting an "academic education" about the industry you have interests in. Academic by definition means books, and that is part of learning. Part of learning is also doing.
You may even have a company or two in your area that does that kind of work and you could either get a job or intern there while in High School. This gives you a chance to gain knowledge, even beyond academics and you can pick the brains of the people you work with to learn from their experiences and about the field.
If you have really dialed in on a career path to follow yet, there are free "career assessment tests" you can take online that will give you some ideas of things that you might enjoy or are really good at. From there you can then get books, classes and other organisations that are involved in those industries.
You always have the option to Audit classes at your local community college or university. You won't get credit for an audit, but you can attend the lectures and gain the knowledge.
There are also a lot of resources online that may be helpful, simply reading trade magazines and books can go a long way to getting an "academic education" about the industry you have interests in. Academic by definition means books, and that is part of learning. Part of learning is also doing.
You may even have a company or two in your area that does that kind of work and you could either get a job or intern there while in High School. This gives you a chance to gain knowledge, even beyond academics and you can pick the brains of the people you work with to learn from their experiences and about the field.
If you have really dialed in on a career path to follow yet, there are free "career assessment tests" you can take online that will give you some ideas of things that you might enjoy or are really good at. From there you can then get books, classes and other organisations that are involved in those industries.
I didn't know you could audit college lectures, I'll definitely be looking into this. I'll also definitely be checking out some library books on some of my interests. I really appreciate this advice!
Linnea
And Audits should be free (you can also audit online courses on Coursera and its the same thing you can't do the assignments, but you can watch the lectures.) the purpose of it is to let you gain insight into the course or even the professor. If its something you want to get credit for you can then pay for the course as desired. (in real life or online)
Marshall Main
T.J. Worthy
Mentor
202
Answers
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Linnea!
Doing pre-college, summer programs, free audits, and dual enrollment for community college are all great ideas! I agree with them all.
Here's another tip that can help...
Build a close relationship with your high school teachers. Ask questions in class, visit their office hours.
Once you build a good relationship with them: you can ask them for either extra classwork to work on or become a peer tutor.
When I wanted to learn more about science, I brought it up with my junior science teacher that I wanted to learn chemistry more in-depth.
My teacher actually agreed to help me! We agreed upon a time outside of school (usually office hours) and we worked on AP course material we found online together :D
Peer tutoring can definitely help you learn more! A tutor becomes experienced with the material the more they teach stuff with others. You don't need to know everything to become one. You grow your knowledge as you go about helping others. In a way, you + another person are both learning together.
I relate to your challenge. I wanted to take more AP classes, but my high school never offered them. 😅
However, I hope these tips help!
Sending you good luck with your academic goals :)
Doing pre-college, summer programs, free audits, and dual enrollment for community college are all great ideas! I agree with them all.
Here's another tip that can help...
Build a close relationship with your high school teachers. Ask questions in class, visit their office hours.
Once you build a good relationship with them: you can ask them for either extra classwork to work on or become a peer tutor.
When I wanted to learn more about science, I brought it up with my junior science teacher that I wanted to learn chemistry more in-depth.
My teacher actually agreed to help me! We agreed upon a time outside of school (usually office hours) and we worked on AP course material we found online together :D
Peer tutoring can definitely help you learn more! A tutor becomes experienced with the material the more they teach stuff with others. You don't need to know everything to become one. You grow your knowledge as you go about helping others. In a way, you + another person are both learning together.
I relate to your challenge. I wanted to take more AP classes, but my high school never offered them. 😅
However, I hope these tips help!
Sending you good luck with your academic goals :)
This sounds right up my alley, both office hours w teachers as well as peer tutoring. I almost had a situation where my teacher invited me to take a course on Black History, but the site ended up not letting us do it. It's really helpful to know that pursuing this kind of thing in the future is a good idea! Thanks so much for your response.
Linnea
You're very welcome!! :)
T.J. Worthy