Colleges look very closely at what courses you take and how well you do in those courses. This is because they know that a student’s high school grade point average (GPA) is a strong predictor of success and persistence in college.

Staying competitive for a wide range of colleges means most high school students will take math, science, English, history/social science and a foreign language each year.

As spring approaches, you usually have only a short window of time to review and select the courses you want to take in the next school year.

Start thinking early about what to take. You need time to consider your full range of options and to think about what course progression makes sense given your strengths, interests, and future dreams.

Do I take Environmental Science or Biology? Calculus or Statistics? A fourth year of language or a new elective?

The decision on what courses to take requires balancing the need to meet future pragmatic requirements with what will fire your passions and inspire you toward intellectual and personal discovery.

As you take the next step, consider the recommendations offered below. Being informed means you can make great choices that make sense for YOU.