What Classes Should I Take Senior Year of High School?

Did you ever watch a team that just ran out of steam in the 4th quarter? Well, that’s exactly what some students do in their senior year of high school. It’s so tempting to ease up, take an easier schedule. But if you’re looking to apply to colleges, the classes you take senior year matter. A lot.

According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), 77% of colleges rank grades in college prep classes at the top of the list of factors in admission decisions, and 64% place similar weight on the strength of your high school curriculum.

So, if you’re a high school junior, selecting your senior year courses is a pivotal step toward strengthening your college applications. To make informed decisions about your senior year classes, consider the following strategies:

• Prioritize Rigor…and Balance

  • RIGOR: Colleges value students who challenge themselves with rigorous courses such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), honors classes, or dual-enrollment programs. These classes demonstrate your readiness for college-level work.

  • BALANCE: However, it’s essential to strike a balance. Don’t overload yourself with too many advanced courses if it will negatively impact your grades or stress levels. In short, take the hardest schedule…that you can manage. Getting C’s in 5 AP courses is not worth it - for your transcript or your confidence.

  • Admissions officers value quality over quantity, so choose rigorous courses in subjects you excel in or are passionate about.

• Battle Senioritis

  • We get it! You’re “done” with high school. Unfortunately, college admissions officers are not. In fact, your senior year course load is an important metric in their calculations (see above). So buckle up and finish strong! Unless you’re performing poorly, maintain or exceed the level of rigor you have in junior year. To make it more palatable, choose classes that genuinely interest you whenever possible.

  • Think of this as an opportunity to exert some control on a college admissions process that will sometimes feel out of your control. Our motto is always: Control the things you can control. Taking senior year classes that match your abilities and ambitions.

• Don’t Abandon Core Subjects

  • Even in senior year, colleges expect to see you continuing to take courses in core academic areas such as:

    • Math (e.g., Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Statistics)

    • Science (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or specialized electives like Environmental Science)

    • English (e.g., Advanced Literature, Composition, or AP English)

    • Social Studies (e.g., U.S. Government, Economics, World History)

    • Foreign Language (e.g., AP Spanish, French IV)

    By sticking with a well-rounded curriculum, you demonstrate intellectual curiosity and readiness for the breadth of a college education.

• Explore Electives That Match Your Passions and Goals

  • Senior year is a great time to take electives that align with your career interests or college major. For example:

    • Interested in STEM? Consider taking Computer Science, Engineering, or Anatomy.

    • Thinking about Business? Enroll in Accounting, Economics, or Marketing.

    • Passionate about the Arts? Try Music Composition, Studio Art, or Theater.

    Electives allow you to explore new fields, show colleges your interests, and add depth to your application.

• Show Consistency and Growth

  • Colleges value students who show consistent effort in their academics. If you’ve struggled in a subject, consider continuing with a slightly less rigorous course rather than dropping it entirely. If you’ve done well in a subject, consider challenging yourself to “level up” to the next level in that subject. So, if you’re easily getting A’s in Honors English, maybe it’s time to try the AP level course senior year. Demonstrating growth and persistence can stand out to admissions officers.

• Seek Guidance from Counselors and Teachers

  • Counselors and teachers are valuable resources when planning your senior year. They can provide insights into which courses align with your academic strengths and college goals.

• Final Thoughts

  • Senior year is your opportunity to make a lasting impression on college admissions officers. By challenging yourself with rigorous coursework, continuing core subjects, and exploring electives that align with your interests, you’ll demonstrate the academic readiness and curiosity that colleges are looking for. Finish strong!

Need help planning your senior year schedule? Contact us today for personalized guidance on crafting a college-ready academic plan!