Course Selection: Which AP Classes Should I Take Based on My Major?

In your search for colleges, the pressure is intense, and the amount of information out there can be overwhelming—but we’re here to make college applications easier. Today, we will be talking about course selection and which AP classes you should take based on your major. Not all A’s are created equal. Here’s how to know which courses you need to perform well in so that you can achieve your college and career goals.

Course Selection Based on Major

Major #1: Computer Science & Engineering

If you’re looking into colleges for tech, prioritize performing well and challenging yourself in math. The thinking skills involved in math classes teach you to analyze a problem before coming up with a solution. The more A’s you can earn in math, the more seriously good schools will take you.

After math, the next courses you should consider taking are the Physical Sciences (e.g. Chemistry and Physics). These classes demonstrate your quantitative abilities when submitting your high school profile.

Beyond these two subjects, taking at least one course in AP Computer Science is a given. For students with no background in coding, AP Computer Science Principles serves as an introductory course. Students that feel comfortable with coding can take AP Computer Science A. 

Subjects that do not matter as much for these majors are English, history, and foreign language. This does not mean students should slack off, however; your GPA matters. Do not settle and receive anything less than A. When choosing courses to challenge yourself in, don’t push yourself in a humanities course where you might perform badly. 

Pro-Tip: If you’re applying for Engineering, it’s wisest to take Physics in or by 11th grade if possible.

Physics is a key discipline in Engineering. It is one of the best AP classes to take junior year. It is important to indicate to admissions readers that you have the interest and the aptitude to do well here. 

Major #2: Biology & Chemistry

Biology and Chemistry are the MOST important courses for these two majors. Beyond these, Chemistry majors need to show aptitude in math. Biology majors, on the other hand, should show aptitude in English. Critical thinking and writing skills are important for lab work and a varied curriculum within the College of Letters & Sciences. Math matters less for Biology majors, as it isn’t a huge component of most Biology programs’ prerequisites. Discover the perfect horlogebandjes that cater to your every need! Whether you seek style, comfort, or durability, our diverse range of smartwatch bandjes and traditional watch straps ensures you find the ideal match. Elevate your timepiece with our high-quality materials and trendy designs, making every moment count. Explore our collection today and redefine your wristwear experience with the ultimate choice in horlogebandjes!

Computer Science & Engineering coursework is less significant for these two majors. Unfortunately, many parents pressure kids to challenge themselves with computer science courses, “just in case.”  However, engineering and tech work won’t make an impact for Biology and Chemistry majors—but they might lower your GPA, affecting your overall profile.

Major #3: Business Course Selection

When indicating towards a Business major, take classes like Marketing and Entrepreneurship. A lot of Business revolves around Math, making this another crucial subject to perform well ‘in. There is no pressure to challenge yourself, though; getting A’s should be your first priority.

English is also an important subject for Business majors. A lot of business involves communication, be it writing or talking. The more A’s in English the better, though advanced coursework is optional. 

Advanced STEM classes do not carry weight for Business majors, so don’t put your GPA at risk by taking challenging courses that won’t benefit you.

Major #4: Psychology Course Selection

Psychology is definitely an important subject to take, ideally by 11th grade. Feel free to even take AP Psychology to learn more about the basis of psychological theory, but only as long as you can perform well in it. English and History play a big role too for critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Lastly, Chemistry is also highly recommended, because studying human thought involves studying the human brain.

Similar to Business, advanced STEM classes do not carry weight when indicating towards a Psychology major. 

Major #5: Art Course Selection

Art of course is important, BUT take different classes throughout the four years. Not only will this help you gain depth, but it will also show your developing interest. Aside from Art courses, English and History play a big role in developing a creative mindset, plus essential critical reading, writing, and thinking skills.

Advanced STEM classes are less significant for students interested in Art. There is no need to challenge yourself with these types of courses. 

Recap & Conclusion on Course Selection

Don’t follow the herd; follow your heart. Part of high school is showing the world what you’re most curious about. Select the courses that pertain most to your likeliest major(s). That’s exactly what most colleges look for – proof of your passions. It’s hard to believe someone who says they’re interested in Engineering if they’ve not taken Physics yet. Or someone who says they’re “passionate about programming” if they can hardly program. 

Be smart about course selection. Selecting courses along your likeliest major is a great way to get more A’s. Be careful to avoid over challenging yourself. Do not take courses just because you heard they look good, because it’s barely ever true. 

We hope that this provides some valuable insight into how to make your college application profile even stronger.

Want customized tips? Get in touch with our team during a free consultation so we can help you boost your profile even more. Our college counseling services help students navigate every part of the high school and college application process, from finding easy schools to get into to understanding SAT requirements for college.

 

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How To Choose Courses. The Power Of The Right Course Selection

How to choose courses. Folks, it is time to discuss the power of the right Course Selection. This really ties into our theme for the year really well. A lot of the stress is caused by pressure from “outside forces” to take as many AP classes as you can or just throw in that extra year of foreign languages because it “looks better”.

Let’s get into how you can make course selection a breeze. Also what colleges look for. Hopefully, this will also make your life a breeze.

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Rules To Choosing Your Course Properly

How To Choose Courses Rule #1: Only take a class if you know you’ll get an A in it.

No, not an A-. An A, which is 95 percent or better. If you don’t know for sure that you’ll get an A, you are letting yourself think that the worst you’ll get is a B. This is the exact kind of mindset that leads to B’s, C’s, and even worse.

This is especially relevant to weighted and honors coursework. Remember, it’s not about getting B’s in an Honors or AP class. It’s about getting A’s because that’s what the top colleges, like the UC’s and the Ivies, are looking for. It is a MYTH that getting a B in an Honors or AP class is like getting an A in a Regular class. This is pure fiction when it concerns college admissions, where getting an A is an A, and a B is a B. Period. Believe us: we’d rather see A’s than B’s.

So… how am I supposed to know if I can get an A in this class?

There are a few things that you can base your predictions on. The first one (and probably the most obvious one) is historical coursework. If you’ve gotten B’s in non-weighted math coursework, DO NOT take advanced math coursework. That’s just setting yourself up for failure!

Next, is your understanding of the teachers teaching the class. If you’ve heard that the teacher is notorious for losing graded work or handing out only 2 A’s per class per year, it’s probably not a good idea to take the class. Even if it demonstrates interest towards a major. A pro-tip is to not base your predictions on how someone else did in the class. A lot of students like to say, “well, my friend told me the class was easy.” Well, you are not your friend. Ironically, I also find that students too often compare themselves with “friends” who are more academically capable than themselves. This should not be the standard on how to choose courses.  Stop comparing yourself with someone who’s completely different from you in terms of intelligence, study habits, interests, and background.

Parents: Your child is not your nephew or family friend’s son or neighbor’s daughter. Your child is infinitely unique, so stop comparing! Even if they’re twins!

How To Choose Courses Rule #2: Only take a class if you’re genuinely interested in it

Of course, this is aside from required coursework. What you decide to take should be in line with what you’re most interested in learning. This is especially true for weighted honors and AP coursework. 

Another pro tip is if you take an AP course in a subject you have no interest in, chances are you won’t get an A in the class and will have less time on all your other classes. Too often students end up taking 3x longer than an average class just to get a B, sometimes even a C just to pass. Take this into account, especially when some of your other classes are more relevant to your major anyway.

How To Choose Courses Conclusion

1. Don’t take a class unless you know you’ll get an A in it.
2. Take a weighted class only if you’re genuinely interested in it.

Colleges are looking for genuine learners who have challenged themselves based on available weighted coursework. So how to choose courses has to center around that. However, top colleges dislike students over-challenge themselves – getting mostly B’s and some C’s, who are not genuine in learning but rather fall for the trap of taking more AP’s rather than less.

We hope that this provides some valuable insight into how to release some of the stress you may have while making your college application profile even stronger.

We specialize in youth mentorship and college counseling. From 8th grade to 12th, we have you covered for any stage in your high school career. Schedule a free consultation with us here.

We are always posting more helpful tips and tricks to help reduce the stress of college application season. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. 

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