High school isn't just about passing exams, it's about discovering what you're passionate about and planning your pathway to success. By selecting courses that align with your career goals, you can build a strong foundation for your future. Here’s a thoughtfully designed guide for ten popular career pathways, including recommended course combinations and electives to consider for each career.
1. Doctor or Health Professional
If you're dreaming of a career in medicine or healthcare, here's your best course strategy:
Freshman Year: Biology, Algebra I, English, World History
Sophomore Year: Chemistry, Geometry, English, Foreign Language
Junior Year: AP Biology, Algebra II, AP Physics 1, AP English Language
Senior Year: AP Chemistry, AP Calculus or AP Statistics, AP Psychology, Anatomy or Medical Terminology elective
Additional Suggestions:
Consider SAT or ACT testing in junior year.
Volunteer at hospitals or clinics to gain practical experience.
Join health-related clubs like HOSA.
2. Aerospace Engineer
Interested in rockets, satellites, and the wonders of space? Consider:
Freshman Year: Algebra I or Geometry, General Science, English, World History
Sophomore Year: Algebra II, Chemistry, English, Engineering or Robotics elective
Junior Year: Pre-Calculus, AP Physics 1, AP Computer Science A, U.S. History
Senior Year: AP Calculus AB or BC, AP Physics C, AP Computer Science Principles, Advanced Engineering or CAD elective
Additional Suggestions:
Take SAT/ACT by your junior year.
Consider SAT Subject Tests in Math and Physics.
3. Journalist or Author
Passionate about storytelling and communication? Build your writing skills with:
Freshman Year: English, Algebra I, World History, Foreign Language
Sophomore Year: English, Geometry, U.S. History, Speech/Debate elective
Junior Year: AP English Language, AP U.S. History, Journalism or Media elective, Visual Arts elective
Senior Year: AP English Literature, Government/Economics, Creative Writing, Advanced Journalism or Media Studies elective
Additional Suggestions:
SAT/ACT testing in junior year.
Develop a writing portfolio through school newspapers or blogs.
4. Army Officer or Military Career
Aspiring to lead and serve? Consider this balanced curriculum:
Freshman Year: Algebra I, General Science, World History, English
Sophomore Year: Geometry, Chemistry, U.S. History, Foreign Language
Junior Year: Algebra II or Pre-Calculus, AP Physics 1, Leadership elective (ROTC/JROTC), AP U.S. History or AP Psychology
Senior Year: Calculus or AP Statistics, Government/Economics, Advanced Science elective (AP Chemistry/Physics C), Physical Education (Strength Conditioning)
Additional Suggestions:
Take SAT or ACT by junior year.
Participate actively in ROTC/JROTC or leadership programs.
5. Computer Scientist or Programmer
Tech-savvy students aiming for a career in technology should choose:
Freshman Year: Algebra I or Geometry, General Science, English, Introductory Programming
Sophomore Year: Algebra II, Chemistry, English, Computer Programming elective
Junior Year: Pre-Calculus, AP Computer Science A, AP Physics 1, Web/App Development elective
Senior Year: AP Calculus, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Statistics, Robotics or Cybersecurity elective
Additional Suggestions:
SAT/ACT testing junior year.
Build coding projects for your portfolio.
6. Environmental Scientist or Conservationist
Passionate about the environment? Your schedule should reflect:
Freshman Year: Biology, Algebra I, English, World History
Sophomore Year: Chemistry, Geometry, English, Environmental Studies elective
Junior Year: AP Environmental Science, Algebra II or Pre-Calculus, AP English Language, Optional: AP Physics 1
Senior Year: AP Biology or AP Chemistry, Government/Economics, AP Statistics, Sustainability or Ecology elective
Additional Suggestions:
Take SAT or ACT in junior year.
Volunteer or intern with environmental organizations.
7. Business or Economics Professional
Aspiring business leaders should prioritize these subjects:
Freshman Year: Algebra I or Geometry, General Science, English, Introductory Economics or Business elective
Sophomore Year: Algebra II, Chemistry, English, Business Management elective
Junior Year: Pre-Calculus, AP Economics (Micro or Macro), AP Statistics, Marketing or Accounting elective
Senior Year: AP Calculus AB or BC, AP Economics (Micro or Macro), Government/Economics, Entrepreneurship or Leadership elective
Additional Suggestions:
SAT/ACT in junior year.
Participate in business competitions or leadership roles.
8. Lawyer or Legal Advocate
Future legal minds should focus on developing critical thinking skills:
Freshman Year: English, Algebra I, World History, Foreign Language
Sophomore Year: Geometry, U.S. History, English, Debate or Speech elective
Junior Year: AP English Language, Algebra II, AP U.S. History, Psychology or Philosophy elective
Senior Year: AP Government & Politics, AP English Literature, Sociology elective, Ethics or Advanced Debate elective
Additional Suggestions:
Complete SAT/ACT by junior year.
Engage in debate or mock trial programs.
9. Creative Visionary (Arts, Design, Media)
Artistic students aiming for a creative career can opt for:
Freshman Year: Art Foundations, Algebra I, English, World History
Sophomore Year: Drawing or Painting, Geometry, English, Digital Media elective
Junior Year: AP Studio Art or Digital Design, Algebra II, AP Art History, Visual Arts elective
Senior Year: AP Studio Art Portfolio, AP English Literature, Government/Economics, Graphic Design or Photography elective
Additional Suggestions:
Prepare an art/design portfolio early.
Complete SAT/ACT junior year.
10. Psychologist or Counselor
Aspiring psychologists or counselors should build a foundation in human behavior:
Freshman Year: Biology, Algebra I, English, World History
Sophomore Year: Chemistry or Health Science, Geometry, Psychology elective, English
Junior Year: AP Psychology, Algebra II, AP English Language, AP Statistics
Senior Year: AP Biology or AP Environmental Science, AP English Literature, Sociology or Human Behavior elective, Advanced Psychology elective
Additional Suggestions:
Take SAT or ACT junior year.
Consider volunteering in counseling-related settings.
11. Sports or Athletics Career
For students passionate about sports, physical health, and athletics:
Freshman Year: General Science, Algebra I, English, Physical Conditioning
Sophomore Year: Biology or Health Science, Geometry, English, Nutrition or Health elective
Junior Year: Algebra II, AP Psychology (sports psychology), Chemistry or AP Biology, Strength Conditioning elective
Senior Year: Pre-calculus or AP Statistics, AP Environmental Science or AP Biology, Sports Medicine elective, Advanced Nutrition or Health elective
Additional Suggestions:
Schedule SAT or ACT junior year.
Engage in sports-related extracurricular activities and leadership roles.
Smart High School Course Combinations
Your high school years are a valuable opportunity to explore interests, build essential skills, and pave the way for your future. The above smart high school course combinations are suggestions so feel free to mix and match to better align with your unique interests and strengths.
Here’s wishing you a fulfilling, exciting, and enriching high school journey, no matter what path you choose!
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