High school core curriculum classes, like algebra, physics, English language arts and U.S. history are intense. And, to teens, they can feel tedious too. But multimedia, public speaking, creative writing, film literature and music technology? Now that sounds more palatable.
Electives offer something different. Troy Glasser, a guidance counselor at Grosse Pointe South High School, says these courses are “an opportunity to explore different career paths.” They also expand interests and break up the monotony of a school day. “These are fabulous courses that, when taken after high school, you’ll have to pay for. It is a good time to try it out.”
What are the best electives for high school students?
Options vary from district to district but typically include “art, marketing, orchestra, metals, auto shop and computer science,” Glasser says. They’re also built into an overarching curriculum. Starting as freshmen, students must choose one or two electives each year or on a semester basis.
Most high schools offer at least a handful of electives. Your kid’s high school course offerings may be diverse, with foreign language courses, cooking, shop, robotics and much more. Some may even be included as graduation requirements.
Picking can be tricky, though. While some students jump at the opportunity, they may not always know what’s a good fit. Parents can make an effort to be active in the process. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Create balance in the high school experience with electives
Keep in mind how much coursework will be required. “There are elective courses that are lab courses, where most of the work is done in school,” Glasser says. “There are others that require additional work outside of school.”
If a syllabus is provided, this can act as a solid blueprint. Having a strong idea of what to expect is helpful for managing a student’s time. Glasser adds, “You want to find a balance with your core academics and to make sure workload is manageable.”
Focus on interests when choosing high school electives
A big question guidance counselors ask when helping students with electives is, basically, “What are you into?”
Kids can use electives to feel out career or college major choices, Glasser says. “If students want to look at business as a possible career choice, you start taking some of those courses. If they are interested in engineering, there are options there, too.” This is especially relevant if your kid is considering pursuing a career in engineering locally. After all, Michigan has the fourth largest concentration of engineers in the nation.
Electives can be very positive experiences, so students should sign up for courses they want to take. That often ensures they’ll make effort to embrace what’s being taught. It can also encourage kids to get involved with extracurricular activities or apply ideas presented in the classroom outside of school. And those kinds of activities found in elective classes are beneficial to students, both academically and personally.
Know the benefits of elective credits for high school students
Glasser emphasizes that electives do not directly impact how schools view your college application. Instead, he says, colleges often “look more for consistency in extracurricular activities,” such as service groups. Remember: Electives often dovetail with after-school activities.
So, to get the full benefit, Glasser suggests parents and students ask, “How might some of these electives work with potential career choices?” From there, teens should look into clubs or after-school activities that meet their goals for the future — or simply align with something they love. Those are what really help boost a student’s resume and increase the odds of getting into a good college, Glasser says. Encourage your student to talk with their school counselor to learn what is available.
Career potential aside, electives let students try a variety of subjects they may not otherwise encounter. Consider what your student might learn in a concert band, foreign language or physical education elective that they wouldn’t learn anywhere else. Perks can range from discovering a hidden talent to meeting new people — and just becoming a more well-rounded student.
Content is sponsored by Michigan Education Savings Program. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Making Your Child’s College Dreams Come True.
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