Cover the Basics
- Confirm graduation requirements
- Check required courses for your grade
- Verify prerequisites are met
- Note any credits to make up
Match to Goals
- Align courses with college/career goals
- Consider honors, AP or IB where ready
- Include electives you'll enjoy
- Keep a language sequence going
Balance the Load
- Be honest about a realistic workload
- Balance hard classes across the day
- Protect time for activities & rest
- Don't overload every semester
Get Advice
- Talk with your school counselor
- Ask teachers about specific courses
- Have a backup for full classes
- Confirm your final schedule
Picking classes shapes a student’s year and future options. This free one-page checklist helps students and families choose well. Pairs with our Education Subjects guides.