Student Advice on Class Selections

Going into January, students are expected to have made their final course selections. However, sometimes it can be difficult to determine what a class will be like from its name and a teacher’s description alone. Many students find themselves wondering more about what their classes will be like from a students perspective. What will the workload be like? Will this class be too much on top of their other classes and extracurricular activities? Could they keep up in this advanced class, or would they better excel in the regular class? For all of these questions, it’s often best to turn to students who have taken the class and know what to expect. Interviewing current students, we were able to get their perspectives on their classes to make course selections easier for upcoming Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors!

Math classes:

Geometry:

• “The material is easy to catch on to and they move at a smooth pace.” – Sophomore Jade Wilkins
• “It’s easy if you pay attention to it, and do the homework.” -Sophomore Kiyo Hilson

Algebra II:

• “I would recommend it if your last [accelerated] math class was difficult. The workload is a lot lighter and the class is at a slower pace.” – Sophomore Livia Birge

Accelerated Algebra II:

• “Workload isn’t bad and algebra is very important. Plus its a required course anyways.” – Junior Lily Engelman

Accelerated Pre-Calculus:

• “…As long as you paid attention in algebra 2 this class isn’t that hard. Expect 30 min homework each day.” – Sophomore Aidan Warner

BC Calculus:

• “I would warn that there is a decent workload but also an understanding teacher. None of the material, I believe, is that hard with the prerequisites already taken.” – Junior Keerthi Jagarlamudi

Statistics:

• “For me, it is too easy. I wanted to take DC Stats but it didn’t work with the electives I wanted. I wish I would’ve taken one less elective and done the DC Stats class. Also, I would’ve had math done in one semester and could’ve had 8th hour off.” – Senior Allison Hobson

Dual Credit Statistics:

• “I would highly recommend this class for the content covered, the instructor, and the pace. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for college credit and not having the energy to commit to a full year of the same curriculum, but even the content itself is good. It is a three unit class, and is taught by the most wonderful and patient math teacher at Central (Mrs. Lee). I also recommend it because there is not too much homework, and the class is well paced for all learning levels.” – Senior Amberlyn Aimone

Social studies classes:

World History:

• “It’s really easy.” -Sophomore Kiyo Hilson

AP World:

• “…although we have a quiz once a week the material isn’t as hard as it looks as long as you stay focused.” – Sophomore Jade Wilkins
• “Medium workload, relatively easy content. Lots of reading.” – Sophomore Aidan Warner
• “I would recommend this class as long as you are okay with reading a lot and are good at memorizing facts. There are quizzes almost every week but they aren’t too hard if you read the chapters.” – Sophomore Livia Birge

US History:

• “I would recommend this class for people who are taking other APs and need a break somewhere in their schedule. Minimal workload and easy content.” – Junior Keerthi Jagarlamudi

AP US History:

• “Workload can be a lot but if you have time to take it and room in your personal schedule, go ahead. I don’t personally regret taking it. However, if it would make life harder and you don’t want to take it, don’t.” – Junior Lily Engelman

AP US Government:

• “I would recommend this class because it is also a semester and contains general knowledge everyone should have about our government system. It is a required class to graduate so I can’t exactly NOT recommend it but I would recommend it to students who like more content being covered in depth, and having the potential to earn college credit.” – Senior Amberlyn Aimone
• “I’m taking it next semester so I don’t know what the class is like yet. However, I’ve heard that it’s pretty light work compared to other AP history classes like APUSH or AP World. Just remember that if you want to take the AP test in May, you might have to take the first semester which is far away from the AP test.” – Senior Allison Hobson

Science classes:

Chemistry I/Chemistry II:

• “[I] definitely recommend [this class], the pace is great and the material is not always the easiest, but it’s explained very well.” – Sophomore Jade Wilkins
• “I would recommend it if AP prep bio was difficult. The workload is a lot lighter and slower paced.” – Sophomore Livia Birge

AP Prep Chemistry:

• “Content is not that hard and there isn’t that much homework.” – Sophomore Aidan Warner

Physics I/Physics II:

• “[This class] makes physics fun and the workload isn’t very much at all. It’s easier than AP prep which has a lot of work and is hard.” – Junior Lily Engelman

AP Prep Physics:

• “I would recommend this class as it provides a lot of mind-blowing information. Also, it’s Mr. Reid’s last year next year so…Mr. Plattner’s a great teacher and the workload is decent and will keep you on your toes. It is moderately difficult with moderate content.” – Junior Keerthi Jagarlamudi

English classes (for upcoming upperclassmen):

AP Language and Composition:

• “I would recommend this class as it teaches you to realize the writing choices made by the world and also makes you aware of bias and unconscious influences infiltrating your mind. It teaches you to improve your writing. The workload is on the lighter side though decently done work is still expected of you. The content is easy but just requires you to put in some effort.” – Junior Keerthi Jagarlamudi
• “Workload really isn’t bad and you get to read on different worldly topics.” – Junior Lily Engelman

Dual Credit English Composition:

• “I think I would only recommend this class to people who like to write essays, because you need to write 5 per semester. The class is well paced and you also do weekly articles and class discussions, but I think I would have rather taken AP Literature.” – Senior Amberlyn Aimone

AP Literature:

• “I would recommend this class for people who like to read and write. Mr. Slotnick, who teaches the class, is a great teacher and I’ve learned a lot from him so far. It’s a fun class because we have a lot of group discussion and do a lot of different things to learn.” – Senior Allison Hobson

World language classes:

Spanish II:

• “I would recommend, the class overall is hard and it consists of your attention 24/7, and if you zone out the slightest bit you can miss a lot but it is very useful for college and overall knowing spanish.” – Sophomore Jade Wilkins

Spanish III:

• “Not too hard content, reasonable workload.” – Sophomore Aidan Warner

AP Spanish Language:

• “I would recommend this class because it enlightens your view about the cultures from Latin America from all time periods. You have no homework in the class ever, that’s a promise made by Sra. Thompson, the workload is pretty light. The content difficulty is moderate, personally I believe that if you try and put a little effort outside of class (though not required) you’ll be in better shape.” –  Junior Keerthi Jagarlamudi
• “Yes, I would recommend taking AP Spanish because Ms. Thompson is a great teacher and very passionate about Spanish and Latin American culture. There is hardly ever homework assigned, unless you want to study or review outside of class. I’ve learned a lot in AP Spanish while not being overwhelmed by assignments. – Senior Allison Hobson

French III:

• “I would recommend it if you feel like you did good in French l/ll. There’s some weeks when we have a lot of work. Also you have to speak in French more often for participation points.” – Sophomore Livia Birge

French IV:

• “Language is fun and learning them and having the opportunity to know another language opens new doors in life.”- Junior Lily Engelman

Electives:

Avid:

• “We mainly focus on present tense and past tense verbs and how they are used.” – Sophomore Jade Wilkins

Anatomy and Physiology:

• “I would recommend this elective to be more of a relaxed elective to fill in your schedule while still learning throughout the year-long course. The workload is moderate to light. Focus on the different body systems and parts.” – Junior Keerthi Jagarlamudi
• “I would recommend this class to anyone who likes a challenge in terms of electives and the science options at Central. It is quite a lot of content and not accelerated, but it is worth the time and energy if you can handle the workload. You learn all bones and parts of the body while also getting to participate in labs and dissections to satisfy all learning types.” – Senior Amberlyn Aimone
• “For me, it’s a good amount of work because it’s not too difficult but not easy enough that I fly through work. I would recommend it if you don’t want a super hard science class your Senior year.” – Senior Allison Hobson

Space Science:

• “Work load is not bad and the class is super and interesting with a great teacher who makes it really fun.” –  Junior Lily Engelman

Medical Careers I and II (Dual Credit):

• “I looooooved this elective. It is two classes combined into one, and you get to learn basic medical terminology, the laws and ethics of the field, and about the field in general. I think the instructor I had no longer teaches it, but when I had him, he brought in EMT supplies for us to observe and touch, as well as other medical tests that you see day to day in actual labs. It’s good even for students not wishing to pursue a medical career, since you learn about healthcare from a citizen’s perspective and how crucial the field really is.” – Senior Amberlyn Aimone

Journalism:

• “Journalism is a really fun class if you like to write. We write articles for Central’s Chronicle whenever there’s an issue coming out. The class is pretty laid back, as long as you’re on top of your article for each issue.” – Senior Allison Hobson

Woodworking:

• “It teaches you important skills that you will actually use.” – Sophomore Aidan Warner

• “I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys art. It’s a fun class to make pots and other figurines. You can use quite a bit of imagination with your piece although there are some requirements you have to have in your art but it doesn’t restrict you that much.” – Sophomore Livia Birge

Even with these course recommendations in mind, class selection can still be stressful. Luckily, some students were willing to share their best class selection advice:

Advice:

• “Don’t be afraid to try out an AP class or an underrated elective that sounds interesting  because you might end up liking it.” – Sophomore Livia Birge
• “Even if you don’t get in a class you want next year, try and pull something you can take away from it in that area. For example, I picked Drama as a last option elective freshman year, but got put in that instead of my first-choice. I opened my mind and suddenly a whole new world of skills and areas was opened up to me. Don’t let other people define what you want to take or not, having an open mind to the classes you take will allow you to enjoy and take away the most from them.” – Junior Keerthi Jagarlamudi
• “Don’t pick a class just because everyone else is. They can’t decide your future or you schedule,  you do. You may not even remember these people in 15 years. Do what works for you.” –  Junior Lily Engelman
• “High school is all about getting a FEEL for what you want to do in the future, so don’t stress about careers so soon. I’d say do what sounds most interesting or fun to you rather than just tagging along with what your friends want to do. Choose classes that seem your pace and classes that benefit you as a student and a person.” – Senior Amberlyn Aimone
• “If you’re wanting a challenging English course for Senior year, I would recommend taking AP Lit and not DC English. Counselors last year told the Juniors that DC English would be just as rigorous as AP Lit, but most Seniors say it’s not at all.” – Senior Allison Hobson