The Rollercoaster Called Highschool

By: Felicia B.
The perils of high school can be a bit overwhelming at times, but with the help of guidance, teachers, parents, and tutors one can make it through such a roller coaster. Course selections are important aspects of high school and help prepare for college. As a senior reflecting on my personal high school experience, there are some things that I would love to go back and change. At the time, I was doing the best I could with the information at hand, but knowing what I know now, I would like to present my advice in a timely manner so that others will have a somewhat better insight as to how to choose the best classes for your intended high school track.

As a freshman I had to choose an intended track to pursue and I chose the path that would set me up to enter a 4-year university by the completion of my senior year. There were other tracks that I could have taken such as community college or no college at all. I’m sure that most high schools have it and usually the students are placed on the track during the freshman year. Once the track has been selected (assuming that the track chosen is 4-year university or one similar), I recommend looking at a course selection catalogue from the attended school, this will help determine which classes that the school has in session and ones they may have in the future (guidance counslers provide these). Make note of each subject and/or electives that are needed for completion of selected track. There will be a minimum number of each, but remember that more can always be taken, for instance, if one plans to enter a science field, he/she may want to take more sciences than the minimum to be prepared for the college courses.

Online classes have saved my life!! I may not exactly know how they will help me once I get to college, but I am anticipating taking fewer credits than the average college freshman because of the online classes that I have taken. I recommend taking something basic for the first class as long as it supplements the track. I recommend adhering strictly to the track because taking classes that are not beneficial, only takes time and effort that could be spent elsewhere or on AP classes. I have really enjoyed taking classes online and I am the only person in my grade that is taking AP online this year. In the end, it will give my GPA that extra boost and I will be more prepared for college.

AP classes not in the plan? Maybe the track selected is a vocational one. NCVPS has that too! NCVPS also has a course catalogue that it is perfect for planning the track and for extra classes beyond the track. There are standard, honors, vocational, and AP classes offered to fit the needs of any student.

In the end, there is no reason to shy away from online classes because they only enhance a transcript and they make learning fun. I have really enjoyed all the online classes that I have taken through NCVPS, and because of NCVPS, I can compete with students on a global level. My final tip is one that I have already mentioned. Check with guidance frequently on the best classes to take and take them online if they are unavailable or do not fit into the schedule elsewhere, and as always, remember to take a few breaks here and there!