As students return to school after break, they face important decisions about what classes they would like to enroll in next school year. The course selection deadline of March 11th is fast approaching. Throughout the next few weeks, counselors will meet with students to discuss their desired classes for the upcoming year.
This year brings a notable change to the course selection process, as a new policy has been implemented. In previous years, students had more leniency considering adjustments to their courses after the deadline. However, this year’s policy firmly states that no changes will be allowed after March 11th. All grade levels will be held to this deadline, ensuring that everybody has a confirmed schedule at the same time. It has not yet been determined if students will be able to drop classes next school year, which adds some weight to their decision.
Sophomores in particular need to think about their long term academic goals, as new courses become available. Students need to consider what diploma they plan to graduate with, and what classes will support those plans. Amongst all of this, they also need to decide if they would like to take IB courses as part of the IB DIploma Program (IBDP) or IB Career Program (IBCP).
Although decisions may feel overwhelming, counselors are here to help. Students will have the opportunity to meet with their counselor face-to-face about the classes they plan to take next year. These meetings, which will occur starting January 21st through February, will be fully arranged by counselors. Students will be able to discuss and review their plans for next year before they must confirm their classes.
After these sessions, students will also have a window of time before the official deadline, in which they can make adjustments to their courses if they please. These changes can be arranged by contacting their assigned counselor, which is determined by last name.
Ms. Ingram, a counselor here at South Lakes High School, recommends that students who are unsure if they would like to take Honors or IB courses talk to their current teachers, and see what they would advise. Teachers can provide insight into the workload and expectations for higher courses, helping students make the choices best from them. Information about courses that South Lakes offers can be found on the school website as well.
Planning next year’s schedule can feel like a difficult task for students, but with proper planning and thought, they can set themselves up for success in the following year.
