With March upon us, it is time for HHS underclassmen to select their courses for the 2017-18 school year. Scheduling is a busy time for students and guidance counselors, and it is important for students to select the right classes.

Should you challenge yourself senior year? Should you attempt to get your elective requirements out of the way early? How many AP’s should you take? There are many questions students ask themselves when going through the scheduling process. And truthfully, students should take the scheduling process seriously, as all classes, regardless of year taken, will be seen by colleges  in the future.

So how exactly should students treat the scheduling process, and how should they make their decisions?

I believe that it is a smart decision for students to get their required electives out of the way early. All students are required to take 5 credits worth of career electives, 5 credits worth of art electives, and financial literacy (or an equivalent). These are all graduation requirements, so the sooner you get these classes out of the way, the better off you will be moving forward.

Some students, like myself, who wait to fulfill their elective requirements will need to make sacrifices in their senior year schedule, or spend money to take electives over the summer. Also, senior year has new opportunities for students, including independent studies, that students may have to forgo if they opt to wait in completing elective requirements.

College and Career Counselor Shari Chappell has a similar belief.

“It is recommended that students try to complete the graduation requirements as early as possible so that they have room in their schedule during senior year to take academic electives that are related to their major/career interest and post high school plans,” Chappell said.

It is also important for rising seniors not to make an “easy” schedule senior year. When viewing a student’s transcript, colleges will examine all four years, including senior year. Early dismissals and late arrivals do not look impressive during the college admissions process. Therefore, students should strongly consider a rigorous senior year schedule.

Also, it is important for students to have back-up classes to take if their ideal schedule does not work out. Once students request courses, the guidance department will work hard to accommodate the requests of the students; however, not all students can logistically fit all their intended classes on their schedule. Hence, having back-ups that you will be happy with is important.