There is no “right” path or sequence of courses to take in high school since every high school (and student) is different. For example, some high schools offer a wide variety of AP or IB coursework, and others may offer very few. Others may focus more on providing Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment options.

One important thing to know is that colleges look at students within the context of their high school and what it offers. Your school’s grading system, coursework options, and much more are all part of the high school profile accompanying your college application. Students will not be penalized for not taking rigorous courses if unavailable! The flip side is that your application is unlikely to stand out if you are at a high school that offers a wide array of AP/IB/Dual Credit coursework and haven’t taken one.

Considering the following factors can help you make informed decisions about your high school coursework:

Your High School’s Graduation Requirements: Pay attention to the specific graduation requirements for your high school, including the number of credits needed in each subject area. A good rule of thumb for maximizing your opportunities is to take at least one class in the Core Academic Subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies/History, and Foreign Language) each year of high school.

Which Colleges and Majors You're Considering: Choose courses that will help you meet the admission requirements for college or help you build skills for your future career. You can find out the required and recommended credits for any college you are considering, so this should be part of your research to ensure you meet all the requirements. For example, some colleges recommend 3-4 years of the same foreign language, so meeting a high school graduation requirement of 2 credits might get you a diploma but not an acceptance letter at a particular university. Note required coursework for specific majors, as well (direct-entry engineering and business programs often want to see specific calculus-ready coursework, for example).

Your Academic Strengths and Weaknesses: Choose courses that align with your strengths and interests while also challenging yourself to improve in areas where you may struggle. While it is generally better to get a “B” in an AP class than an “A” in a standard-level class, keep in mind that at highly competitive colleges, most of the applicants will have all “A’s” in the most rigorous coursework. When choosing classes, aim to stretch yourself without overwhelming yourself. Play to your strengths!

Extracurricular Activities: Consider the extracurricular activities you are involved in and your other commitments outside of school. Then, choose coursework that fits your schedule and allows you to balance your academic and non-academic pursuits.

Teacher Recommendations: Seek teacher recommendations to determine which courses may fit you well based on your interests and abilities. For example, if you are looking at advanced coursework, consider who is teaching the class and whether it’s new to them (a brand-new AP teacher, for example, may not have the same mastery of the exam as someone who has been teaching it for many years), and what other students have to say about the class and the teachers.

Course Availability: Some courses may be offered only at certain times of the year or limited in terms of the number of students who can enroll. Note: You may be unable to get a class you want to take; this is the sort of detail you can include in the “additional information” section of the Common App when the time comes.

Prerequisites: Some courses may have prerequisites, meaning you must complete specific courses before enrolling. Make sure you plan accordingly and start mapping out your coursework early in your high school career.