Apart from completing all the necessary core classes for high school graduation, students are also given the task of choosing elective courses. Electives help students to shape their coursework around their interests and future career goals. It is important that these are chosen wisely so that your child can get the most out of high school.

When it comes time for your high schooler to choose their electives, it’s a good idea to sit down with them and help review their options. Here are a few things to keep in mind while going through this process.

Continuing Education

If your child is planning on applying to college, or has already applied, it is a good idea to check their entry course requirements. If they require a certain number of science or math courses, it is a good idea to add one of those courses as an elective. Simply skim over their admissions requirements and choose electives to help meet their requirements and improve your teen’s chances of acceptance.

Career Interests

Some teens already know what they want to do with their future – or at least have an idea of what they want to do. If they are interested in an accounting or finance job, look for business electives; for graphic design, look for art or computer electives. This will give them a taste of what that field is like and give them a head start on their career.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Elective courses can provide an excellent opportunity for students to boost their GPA. If your teen is particularly strong in one area of study, and they need to bring up their GPA, it is a good idea to take an elective in that field. Or, on the other hand, if your teen is struggling in one subject, like math, it is a good idea to take math electives to help improve their skills.

Foreign Language

Most colleges look for students with at least two years of language and some even require it. Learning a foreign language can also be helpful later in college if your teen decides to study abroad or travel. I would even consider taking a language class or two as an elective in college, as employers like bilingual employees and it can open up additional employment opportunities.

Advanced Placement

If your teen’s schedule isn’t already too challenging, it’s a good idea to throw in an AP course or two. Colleges like when students take AP courses and sometimes they offer college credits for them. Additionally, these courses offer an additional challenge and can help prepare your high schooler for the workload of college courses.

Running Start

Sticking to the topic of college preparation, why not take some electives that count toward as college credits? Entering college with a few credits under your belt allows for students to take a lighter load during their freshman year and helps ease the transition from high school into college. Also, many schools offer running start programs where high school students can enroll in actual college courses.

Exercise

If your child does not participate in any team or organized sports, it may be a good idea for them to use their electives as a chance to get some exercise. Most schools offer more than just standard gym class and offer electives in volleyball, bowling, swimming or aerobics.