Extracurricular Classes Every High Schooler Should Consider Taking
As a high school student preparing to graduate, you may not have the slightest idea of what your future holds. Perhaps you have chosen a college that you’ve been accepted to, and maybe you have an idea of what you’d like to major in once you get there. But, do you know about all the requirements needed per semester, or what classes might help you achieve the most success after college? Don’t stress. We've crafted this article to help you choose the right extracurricular classes that will truly help you master life before you graduate high school.
Starting with the Basics
When it comes to your first year of college, you really won’t be taking any courses that favor a major quite yet. Maybe one or two, but they will likely be those that could help you get ahead in whatever major you choose. Before attending your first semester, you will be required to pick out and sign up for a handful of classes. Most universities will require you to sign up for a minimum of twelve hours, or five classes, a week, depending on your financial aid requirements. When choosing your first five classes, your advisor may suggest a first year experience (FYE) class aimed towards freshmen that will allow you to better understand your school, its history, and how you will navigate your campus. These courses will help pave the way for the next four years of school.
Every college is different in their requirements. You may be expected to take a lab or maybe an applied theory course if you attend a private college. These mandatory classes shouldn’t scare you though, as they are generally taught on an average scale, depending on the students’ level of understanding. This is done to better help you choose which major you would thrive in. Many students start their freshman year with a major in mind that they feel they might want to study. However, after one semester and a few basic courses in different fields, most students change their major. Getting a chance to spend a semester in a handful of different classes can help you better understand yourself.
As a student, you may find yourself struggling with your major requirements and understanding the course material best fit for your career plan. You’re not alone, and while reaching out for tutoring may take up your free time, it’ll help reduce the stress of at least fulfilling the general education requirements. Sometimes, getting through the first year is the toughest as it comes with the most changes. With time and dedication, you may find yourself enjoying your current major or enjoying an elective that leads you to exploring a new one.
Focusing on Your Major
After you have a few semesters under your belt, you’ll start to focus more on one major. A few of the classes that you took during your freshman year and even during high school, will be beneficial to you as you begin taking some of the more advanced courses. This is the time that you’ll start adding some elective courses and extracurricular activities to your schedule that may or may not relate to what you’re studying.
For example, if you’re a nursing major or studying the medical field, you might be adding a few lab courses to your schedule. These will be hands-on approaches to supplement what you are learning in the books. If you are a business major, you might be focusing on money courses or more advanced math classes. This could even look like joining a club of other students focusing on a similar major.
Don’t hesitate to invest some of your time participating in different clubs and organizations within your school and community. It could look like a class or even volunteering at an organization nearby. Volunteering at an after-school tutoring program could help you big time if you’re an education major. This not only looks great on a resume, but it might even inspire you to become a member at an organization in your future long after you graduate.
Looking Ahead
Once you’re fully invested in a major, and a minor if you choose, you should start considering taking some courses that will prepare you for the real world. The extracurricular classes that you would take for your major will help you grasp a better understanding of that field, but what about when you graduate?
After graduation, you’ll need to apply for a job, more than likely move out of your parents house, and start tackling your bills. This is the part of life that is the most overwhelming post-graduation. Yes, some of us will still have our parents to help guide us, but the expectations that hit us may be too difficult to manage right away. To prepare for the whirlwind of responsibilities in the years to come, most colleges have classes to help students understand how to face real-world problems and rein in any anxieties that you may experience.
One of the first steps in getting a job is to send in a resume. Your resume should represent you and your accomplishments whether that be your GPA, your work experience, or both. Once you have a job, you’ll need to sign up for insurance that is provided by your company. Reading and understanding what benefits your company offers and when you can sign up for them can be very overwhelming. You might come across the term and wonder, what does open enrollment mean? There is a specific period, during which you can sign up for benefits and make changes to them. Many times, this opportunity is open for a specific amount of time after initially being hired, and it’s crucial to know so you don’t miss the window and find yourself uninsured. After working for a bit, you’ll have to file your taxes and unless you’re paid ‘under the table’, as an employee your income will be subject to tax. For your first job, this may seem confusing, but it is necessary and can be explained in a few different extracurricular classes that focus on personal finances.
Your school may offer a class that focuses specifically on how to build a great resume. Courses may even include participating in practice interviews that will prepare you for a real one in the future. Some courses may walk you through how to navigate the open enrollment period. While others can help you understand how to file your taxes in a way that best suits you.
Applying What You’ve Learned
College may sound overwhelming, but understanding the opportunities that are available to you can change your experience. No college advisor is going to throw you into new waters, expecting you to swim on your own. Advisors are there to help prepare you for your next endeavor. As high school prepares you for college, college prepares you for your career. Starting with the basics, focusing on your major, and taking initiative to sign up for classes that can help you gain experience and confidence to take on real-life obstacles, is a great way to prepare you for what's next. Now, sit back, work hard, and enjoy your next journey in life!
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