Headline: Ask Erin: How Should I Pick My Electives For Next Year? 

“Dear Erin,

I’m a high school sophomore trying to figure out which electives to choose for next year. There are so many options, and I want to make sure I pick ones that will benefit me in the long run. How do I go about selecting the right electives that align with my interests and future goals? Any tips on making this decision?

Sincerely, Elective Explorer”

Dear Elective Explorer,

Here at CHS picking courses can be very daunting because of the extensive opportunities . If you know what you want to do in life then scheduling is a piece of cake. The first thing to be aware of is the diploma that you are aiming for. At CHS there are four different types of diplomas, general, Core 40, Core 40 with academic honors, and Core 40 with technical honors. The general diploma is an opt-out diploma reserved for students with learning disabilities. The Core 40 is the standard diploma that prepares students for most colleges in the state of Indiana, military training, and the workforce. The academic honors diploma is for students who want to attend more rigorous colleges and universities. The academic honors diploma includes more rigorous academic requirements such as getting a 3 or higher on an AP test and taking world language for at least three years. A technical honors diploma requires more job site training than a standard diploma. The technical diploma is typically for students who want to join the trades. As an incoming junior, you should already know what diploma you are aiming for. If you don’t yet know what diploma to aim towards, you should ask teachers and counselors for recommendations.  It is also important to read the course description guide. The guide lists all the classes here at CHS and various graduation pathways. It also lists all the requirements and expectations for each class such as required skills, prerequisite classes, and workload. I would recommend that you prioritize getting your selected diploma, and then use your remaining credits to show colleges and universities what you have to offer. For example, if you love radio, you should take a broadcasting class to show off your skills and talents to colleges. Additionally, many teachers here at CHS either attended as students, or know a lot about the courses offered in the elective department. Consider asking a trusted teacher or counselor for course recommendations. If you took a class that has a designated course pathway such as Business, Broadcasting, Industrial Technology, or Family and Consumer Sciences and you have interest in continuing to pursue it, you should discuss that with your counselor as well.

Selecting electives can be difficult but if you focus on your interests, passions, and future goals, scheduling electives will be a much less stressful process for you.

Sincerely,

Erin