Choosing Classes: Think Big, Think Early and Stay Open

Even if you’re unsure about what to do after graduation, plan ahead anyway: stress is unhealthy, so it’s important to start making some decisions.

In order to graduate in British Columbia, you need to earn 80 course credits and complete the Graduation Transition. The only required Grade 12 course is English 12, but if you’re taking another English course that has a provincial exam, you only need to take one of those exams to qualify for the Language Arts 12 exam requirement. All other provincial exams are optional, and most post-secondary institutions don’t look at provincial exam results anymore.

However, it’s good to keep your options open, especially if you’re unsure what to pursue after high school.

“I feel nice and prepared for a variety of things,” says Grade 12 student Victoria Harraway, sharing that she took a range of courses, from Drama and Literature to Geography and History. Universities are looking for well-rounded students with high marks, so having a variety of courses is a good idea.

Linda Rudolph, the Career Counsellor at Delta Secondary School, says choosing courses should be a personal choice, influenced by graduation requirements, goals and individual interests. “Keep your doors open by including courses that satisfy the minimum admission requirements for entry to a local university-level program,” advises Rudolph. “Also include electives from areas where you have a talent, a strong interest, or ones that develop a specific skill that can help you get a job.”

Most admissions offices don’t look at work experience courses or many locally developed courses. Looking ahead at potential post-secondary institutions and their requirements is a huge help in course selection. Depending on the field you want to enter, there may be courses you didn’t consider necessary – but are.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need another course, there are ways to complete it.

“School districts may offer the course you are lacking through Continuing Education – if not, colleges always offer opportunities for upgrading your credentials with ‘equivalent to’ courses which can be tuition-free,” Rudolph says.

Night school is also an option. All of these programs can help you finish a high-school diploma, earn more credits, or take courses that you didn’t take in high school. Courses are offered in all the basics – sciences, English and math – and others as well, depending on the institution.

The most important course is English, but don’t fret if it’s not your strong point: many institutions only need a C+ or above. If you don’t have that, you can take a Language Proficiency Index test, which will place you accordingly.

The best advice? Choose courses you love, because it’s likely you’ll pursue them after graduating.