This week, my bewildered eighth grade sister has been begging for advice on what electives to take next year.
Now, this is not the most important decision in life nor is it worth stressing about; however, choosing enjoyable electives can seriously enhance the high school experience.
Of course, I’m not a guidance counselor and every person is different, but this is what I wish someone had told me before choosing my freshman electives:
- DO: Choose something you are interested in.
If you’ve constantly dreaded going to orchestra throughout middle school, then don’t pursue it. All electives require commitment. Committing to something you love is fun, but pursuing something that doesn’t interest you will only make you wish you were spending your valuable time elsewhere.
- DO: Take academic electives.
People tend to steer away from academic electives because they seem like ‘more work.’ If you enjoy writing, math, or another academic, take an elective in that subject. It may be slightly more work, but it will also be enjoyable and give you a head start on the field you may want to work in some day.
- DO: Think before taking a free period.
Frees aren’t for everyone. For me personally, its difficult to get work done surrounded by my friends in a loud library. Many people say that a free is necessary to have time to meet with teachers, but this is my fifth semester without a free and I have never had trouble finding time to meet with a teacher whether it be before, after school, or during lunch.
- DO: Take something potentially progressive.
There are many classes such as journalism, culinary, and drawing that have multiple levels. It’s a great idea to try out these classes as a freshman so that if you find something you really like then you can continue to pursue it throughout high school.
- DON’T: Take what everyone else is taking
You will probably end up in a class you are not truly interested in, and space is limited in each elective, so there is no way to ensure you will end up in a class with your friends.
- DON’T: Worry.
Remember, after freshman year you have another six semesters of electives to choose, so there’s plenty of time to experiment and take different ones.
