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Which High School Class Should I Pick? Please Help!!!?
So I definitely want to go into the field of teaching but next year I am doubling up in science and taking Chemistry and AP Environmental next year but that only leaves one period left for an elective in my schedule. Should I take AP Psychology or Careers in Education. I really want to take careers in ed but I don't want it to seem like I want to do something with science in the future. It would be my junior year in high school I'm not sure if colleges want to see me dedicated to teaching or if they want to see me take as many AP classes as I can.
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Iryna’s Answer
Hi!
Choosing classes in high school, especially when you're interested in a future career in teaching, is an important decision. Here’s a breakdown of the two elective options you’re considering—AP Psychology and Careers in Education—to help you make an informed choice.
1. AP Psychology
Benefits:
College Credit: If you score well on the AP exam, you may earn college credit, potentially saving on tuition costs and allowing for a lighter course load in college.
Understanding Behavioral Science: Psychology provides valuable insights into human behavior, learning styles, and development—all crucial for a future educator.
Skill Development: This class will help you hone critical thinking and analytical skills, which are important in any field, including education.
Flexibility in Majors: Taking AP Psychology may allow you to demonstrate your academic rigor while keeping your options open for various college majors, not solely education-focused.
2. Careers in Education
Benefits:
Direct Relevance: This class is closely aligned with your career goals and will provide specific knowledge and skills related to teaching.
Exposure to Education Field: You may learn more about different teaching philosophies, classroom management, lesson planning, and the educational system as a whole.
Networking Opportunities: You may have opportunities to connect with educators, guest speakers, or projects that could offer practical insights or even mentoring.
Demonstrable Interest: Taking this class signals your commitment to a career in education to colleges, highlighting your passion for teaching.
Considerations for Your Decision
Future College and Major: Colleges generally appreciate students who have a balance of rigorous courses and those that align with their intended major. If you’re sure about entering education, Careers in Education may better showcase your interests.
Course Load and Balance: With Chemistry and AP Environmental Science already on your schedule, consider how AP Psychology’s rigor will fit with your upcoming workload compared to Careers in Education, which may be easier to manage.
Personal Interest: Reflect on which subject genuinely excites you more. Your enthusiasm and engagement in a subject can greatly enhance the learning experience and your performance in class.
Given your interest in pursuing a career in education, Careers in Education may be the more strategic choice, allowing you to gain insights specifically relevant to teaching. However, if you have a strong interest in psychology as well, taking AP Psychology could also serve you well in understanding student behavior and mental processes.
Consider your workload and how each class fits into your future plans. If possible, consult with your school counselor or teachers for additional guidance tailored to your situation, as they might offer more insights based on your school's curriculum and your overall academic goals. Good luck with your decision!
Choosing classes in high school, especially when you're interested in a future career in teaching, is an important decision. Here’s a breakdown of the two elective options you’re considering—AP Psychology and Careers in Education—to help you make an informed choice.
1. AP Psychology
Benefits:
College Credit: If you score well on the AP exam, you may earn college credit, potentially saving on tuition costs and allowing for a lighter course load in college.
Understanding Behavioral Science: Psychology provides valuable insights into human behavior, learning styles, and development—all crucial for a future educator.
Skill Development: This class will help you hone critical thinking and analytical skills, which are important in any field, including education.
Flexibility in Majors: Taking AP Psychology may allow you to demonstrate your academic rigor while keeping your options open for various college majors, not solely education-focused.
2. Careers in Education
Benefits:
Direct Relevance: This class is closely aligned with your career goals and will provide specific knowledge and skills related to teaching.
Exposure to Education Field: You may learn more about different teaching philosophies, classroom management, lesson planning, and the educational system as a whole.
Networking Opportunities: You may have opportunities to connect with educators, guest speakers, or projects that could offer practical insights or even mentoring.
Demonstrable Interest: Taking this class signals your commitment to a career in education to colleges, highlighting your passion for teaching.
Considerations for Your Decision
Future College and Major: Colleges generally appreciate students who have a balance of rigorous courses and those that align with their intended major. If you’re sure about entering education, Careers in Education may better showcase your interests.
Course Load and Balance: With Chemistry and AP Environmental Science already on your schedule, consider how AP Psychology’s rigor will fit with your upcoming workload compared to Careers in Education, which may be easier to manage.
Personal Interest: Reflect on which subject genuinely excites you more. Your enthusiasm and engagement in a subject can greatly enhance the learning experience and your performance in class.
Given your interest in pursuing a career in education, Careers in Education may be the more strategic choice, allowing you to gain insights specifically relevant to teaching. However, if you have a strong interest in psychology as well, taking AP Psychology could also serve you well in understanding student behavior and mental processes.
Consider your workload and how each class fits into your future plans. If possible, consult with your school counselor or teachers for additional guidance tailored to your situation, as they might offer more insights based on your school's curriculum and your overall academic goals. Good luck with your decision!
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
Have you ever taken an AP class before? If you have then I suggest you challenge yourself and take AP Psychology. If you have never taken an AP class then you will not know what your course load will look like. AP classes are very different from regular or honors classes. All you do is study. There are no projects, group work or interesting assignments. So my advise is to take AP Psychology if you have taken an AP class in the past and if you have not then take Careers is Education. I would also look into any math or science based electives in case you don't feel 100% about the Careers in Education class.
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Take as many AP or Dual Credit classes as possible. You will be able to accelerate your college experience and save tons of money and time getting the credits now. Consider CLEP testing as well when you are eligible.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Emily !
You won't know what your college wants to see unless you already have some colleges in mind and you can specifically read their requirements for admissions.
I think your time would be well spent by taking the AP Psychology, not the Careers In Education. You will need a psychology base for Education, so now is a good time to be introduced to it. The Careers In Education seems like an overview course with information that you could easily obtain from the internet. In your psychology class, you will learn the basics, briefly and in college you can take more in depth subjects in psychology that will apply to a teaching career.
Always remember that it will be college that prepares you for the Teaching career. Something that would be useful for you now is to start out with two or three prospective colleges that you may want to attend. Go to their websites and get a feel for their system and read their admission requirements. Then choose three more prospective colleges and do the same. Only their website or speaking with a representative of the college will steer you in the right direction.
My own advice to you is to take the AP Psychology course and research teaching careers on your own by doing internet searches.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best moving forward !
You won't know what your college wants to see unless you already have some colleges in mind and you can specifically read their requirements for admissions.
I think your time would be well spent by taking the AP Psychology, not the Careers In Education. You will need a psychology base for Education, so now is a good time to be introduced to it. The Careers In Education seems like an overview course with information that you could easily obtain from the internet. In your psychology class, you will learn the basics, briefly and in college you can take more in depth subjects in psychology that will apply to a teaching career.
Always remember that it will be college that prepares you for the Teaching career. Something that would be useful for you now is to start out with two or three prospective colleges that you may want to attend. Go to their websites and get a feel for their system and read their admission requirements. Then choose three more prospective colleges and do the same. Only their website or speaking with a representative of the college will steer you in the right direction.
My own advice to you is to take the AP Psychology course and research teaching careers on your own by doing internet searches.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best moving forward !