Schedule Guide

Learn how to balance rigor, interests, extracurriculars, and future goals to build a schedule that works for you.

How to Plan a Schedule

Step 1: Start with your Graduation Requirements

Use the requirements given by your school to ensure you are meeting all necessary criteria.

Use this template to organize your thoughts and prioritize your course selections.

Typical Graduation Requirements:

  • 4 years of English
  • 3-4 years of Math
  • 3-4 years of Science
  • 3 years of Social Studies
  • 2 years of Foreign Language
  • 1 semester of Physical Education
  • 1 year of Wellness
  • 1 year of Visual Arts
  • 1 year of Computer Science
  • 1 semester of Government
  • 1 semester of Economics
  • 1 semester of Personal Finance

Download Schedule Template

Step 2: Build Around Your Career Interests

Computer Science

  • AP Computer Science A
  • AP Computer Science Principles
  • AP Calculus AB/BC
  • AP Statistics
  • AP Physics C
  • AP Cybersecurity
  • AP Physics 1
  • Coding Classes Offered at your school
  • Engineering Classes Offered at your school

Healthcare

  • AP Biology
  • AP Chemistry
  • AP Physics 1
  • AP Physics 2
  • AP Psychology
  • AP Statistics
  • Health Classes (Biomed or BioSTEM) Offered at your school *Try to do classes specific to the type of healthcare you're interested in
  • Anatomy and Physiology

Business

  • AP Computer Science Principles
  • AP Business with Personal Finance
  • AP Economics
  • AP Statistics
  • AP Psychology
  • Accounting Classes Offered at your school
  • Entrepreneurship Classes Offered at your school

Art & Design

  • AP Art Courses
  • AP Design Courses
  • Digital Design Classes Offered at your school
  • Graphic Design Classes Offered at your school
  • Photography Classes Offered at your school

Humanities

  • AP Language and Composition
  • AP Literature and Composition
  • AP History (US, World, or European)
  • AP Government and Politics
  • AP Psychology

Step 3: Avoid Common Mistakes

Taking APs because friends are

In the future, you will look back and see how much you struggled for no reason. One bad score can change the way colleges see you

Taking APs because why not?

Don't take APs just for the sake of it. Make sure they align with your interests and future goals.

Overloading your schedule

You need to have a social life. Not extracurricular activities, or networking for college. Spend time with your family because once you are done with high school, the wheels never end.