14 Ways to Choose the Best School Subjects & Classes

Tutors and advisors share how to pick high school or college courses

Co-authored by Jennifer Kaifesh

Last Updated: July 31, 2025 Approved

Choosing subjects well is important to your success in school, and even your success in your future career. While selecting your classes can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we’ll explain all the best tips and tricks for choosing the right subjects in school, with helpful suggestions from professional tutors, academic counselors, and educational consultants.

Choosing the Right Classes: Overview

Great Expectations College Prep founder Jennifer Kaifesh says to explore your interests and try new things. Sign up for any required classes, but then pick subjects you’re interested in and good at. Take a variety of classes so you don’t get bored or overwhelmed, and consult a guidance counselor if you need help.

1

Select classes that you’re required to take.

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In most cases, there will be certain classes or subjects you have to take each year or term to graduate. Some classes also have prerequisites, or classes you have to take before you can enroll in that class. ^{[1]
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Research source} Make sure you sign up for all required classes before choosing other subjects.

Meet the wikiHow Experts

Jennifer Kaifesh is the founder of Great Expectations College Prep, a tutoring and counseling service based in Southern California. She has over 15 years of experience.

Alicia Oglesby is an academic counseling expert based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with over 12 years of experience in her field.

Ted Coopersmith, MBA , is an academic tutor for Manhattan Elite Prep, a test prep and academic tutoring company in New York City.

Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed. , is an educational consultant and the educational director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California, with over a decade and a half of experience.

2

Choose subjects you’re good at.

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Pick classes that will help you keep your grades up. While you shouldn’t take a class just because it’s easy, it’s still important to play to your strengths. ^{[2]
X
Research source} Choosing subjects you’re good at will help you get good grades and prevent you from getting overwhelmed, as you likely won’t be as stressed or have to spend as much time studying as you would with a subject you need more help with.
- “Finding the intersection of what you love and what you’re good at can often lead to a financially secure, fulfilling life,” explains Kaifesh. ^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jennifer Kaifesh
  Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
  
  Expert Interview}

3

Take classes you’re interested in.

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Sign up for subjects you think you’ll enjoy. “Reflect on the courses, books, or studies you could spend all day learning more about,” says professional school counselor Alicia Oglesby. ^{[4]
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Expert Source

Alicia Oglesby
Professional School Counselor

Expert Interview} If you enjoy a subject, you’ll likely work harder and do better than you would if you don’t like a subject. It’s best if the subjects you enjoy also align with your college or career plans, but there’s nothing wrong with taking an elective just because it sounds fun. Taking fun classes will keep you motivated and excited about your education.
- Don’t be afraid to try new things. If something sounds interesting, give it a shot!
- If you take classes you enjoy, you may even find a new career interest.
- If you aren’t sure what you’re interested in, Kaifesh says, “Be willing to join new clubs, try summer programs, and find internships in a wide variety of fields to see what’s out there until you find your path.” ^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jennifer Kaifesh
  Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
  
  Expert Interview}

4

Consider your career interests and future goals.

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Determine which subjects you need for college or your future career. While you don’t have to have your whole life planned in high school, it’s a good idea to start thinking about what you want to do. Sign up for subjects that are relevant to the job you want to have in the future. If you plan on attending a certain college and know they require prerequisite classes, sign up for those, as well. ^{[6]
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- For example, if you want to be a doctor, take biology, science, and math courses. If you want to be a lawyer, opt for courses in history, English, and government.
- Some classes may not be relevant to your career choice, but can still provide valuable life skills. Taking classes like band or art may stand out on your future resume.
- “Remember, there are countless fields and career paths that high schoolers aren’t introduced to,” says Kaifesh. “So, don’t be concerned if you aren’t passionate about one of your five core subjects.” ^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jennifer Kaifesh
  Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
  
  Expert Interview}

5

Pick a subject that offers a reasonable challenge.

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Don’t take a class just because you’ve heard it’s easy. If a subject is too easy for you, you’ll likely become bored and unmotivated. On the other hand, if a class is too hard, you may get frustrated and struggle to understand the material. Aim to take classes that will challenge you, but aren’t so hard that you might fall behind. This will keep things interesting and ensure you’re learning! ^{[8]
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- Reflect on how you did in previous classes to determine what level you’re at. For example, if you struggled in math last year, you might not want to sign up for an advanced math course. However, if you excelled at math, the advanced course may be the challenge you need.
- Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Be honest with yourself when determining your abilities and picking classes. Everyone learns differently, so don’t feel embarrassed!
- If you’re worried about falling behind in a challenging course, academic tutor Ted Coopersmith, MBA, advises that you stay on top of your homework and follow up with your teacher on any concepts that seem unclear. ^{[9]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Ted Coopersmith, MBA
  Academic Tutor
  
  Expert Interview}

6

Look up the course’s description.

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Find out the details about a class before signing up for it. If you aren’t sure if a subject is right for you, see if there’s a course description available online or wherever you sign up for classes. This description should tell you key information, like who the teacher is and what topics you’ll cover throughout the semester. Learn as much as possible about the course to determine if you want to take it.
- If there isn’t much information available in the course description, reach out to the teacher to see if they’ll provide you with a sample syllabus.

7

Take a wide variety of classes.

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Try new subjects to explore your interests. Even if you really like a certain subject, you’ll likely get bored and burned out if you take a lot of similar classes in one semester. Instead, broaden your horizons and sign up for some subjects you haven’t taken before! This is also a great way to explore your interests and find new subjects you enjoy. ^{[10]
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- For example, if you love English and sign up for a lot of English classes, you’ll also likely have to write a lot of essays, which can be time-consuming. Instead, take some classes that are test- or lab-based to give yourself a break.
- “Don’t be afraid to try new things,” encourages Kaifesh. “You’ll never know if something excites you if you don’t try it.” ^{[11]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jennifer Kaifesh
  Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
  
  Expert Interview}

8

Don’t take a class just because your friends are.

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Take classes that actually benefit you, and avoid distractions. It can be fun to share classes with your friends, but you’re ultimately choosing classes for your education. Your friends may have different interests from you, so you may find a subject boring or difficult if you only sign up to be in class with them. Your friend may even drop the class, and then you’ll be stuck with a subject you don’t enjoy. You may also be tempted to goof off during class, which can negatively affect your grades. ^{[12]
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Research source}
- Don’t give in to peer pressure . Your friend will be okay if you don’t share every class!

9

Prepare some backup subjects.

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Make a list of subjects you’re interested in, then narrow it down. Every school assigns classes differently, but there’s a chance you might not be placed in every course you signed up for. Have a few other classes in mind that you might want to take. ^{[13]
X
Research source} For example, if you need to choose 5 subjects, come up with 7 or 8 that you’re interested in. Then, determine which of those subjects you’re most interested in and sign up for those first.
- If you end up with way more subjects on your list than you are allowed to take, cut the ones you would least enjoy, or any subjects that have overlapping topics. Keep narrowing it down until you have enough classes, plus 1-3 backups.
- If you don’t get placed in a class you really want, you can always try again next semester! There’s also a chance someone could drop the class, so let your guidance counselor know you’re interested in case that happens.

10

Ask previous students about their experience.

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Find out what you can expect from a certain class. Ultimately, choosing a subject is your decision, but it can help to get some insider information from people who have already taken the class. Ask previous students about their experience, including what the teacher was like, how hard the class was, and their overall enjoyment. This can help you decide if a class is right for you. ^{[14]
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Research source}
- If only one or two people report a negative experience, there’s a good chance you’ll still enjoy the class. However, if everyone you asked had a bad experience, it might be better to avoid that class. Try a similar subject, or take the class with a different teacher.
- Asking previous students what a class was like can also help you prepare to succeed because you’ll know what the homework and tests are like.

11

Don’t overload your schedule.

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Balance your classes across both semesters. To avoid feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it’s important to maintain a balance between your academics and your personal life. Don’t take on so many classes that you don’t have time for extracurriculars or to spend time with loved ones. “Balance your courses in terms of rigor,” explains Oglesby. ^{[15]
X
Expert Source

Alicia Oglesby
Professional School Counselor

Expert Interview} Each semester, aim to take a few challenging classes and a few easier classes to balance your workload.
- To balance your course load, Coopersmith recommends having “a mixture of English, science, history, economics, and math courses, as well as a smattering of cultural additions in music, art, and language.” ^{[16]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Ted Coopersmith, MBA
  Academic Tutor
  
  Expert Interview}

12

Don’t procrastinate.

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Sign up for classes as soon as possible. If you wait until the last minute, a lot of classes may be filled up, or you might get overwhelmed trying to make a decision. Look through the course options as soon as they’re available, and take time to sit down and come up with a plan. This will help ensure you take all the classes you need, as well as some you’ll enjoy. ^{[17]
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Research source}

13

Get advice from a teacher or guidance counselor.

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Talk to an academic advisor if you’re having a hard time deciding. If you’re struggling to create a schedule or have other academic concerns, talk to your guidance counselor, academic advisor, or a trusted teacher. They can help you determine which classes to take and how to avoid overloading your schedule. Set up an appointment sooner rather than later so you can get everything figured out as soon as possible. ^{[18]
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Research source}
- If you're registering for college classes , educational consultant Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed., says, “My number one piece of advice would be to go to your college academic advisor… They’ll often go through the course list with you and help you see what fits your schedule when it comes to timing and what courses are available.” ^{[19]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
  Educational Consultant
  
  Expert Interview} Often, meeting with your advisor is even required by the college.

14

Consult your parents.

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Make sure your parents approve of your schedule. If you’re in middle or high school, discuss your chosen classes and schedule with your parents. If they have questions, explain why you chose each subject. If they have any concerns, discuss the matter calmly as a family. Your parents may point out classes they think you’d like or that they think you should take, so be willing to consider the possibilities. ^{[20]
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Research source}
- Ultimately, it’s your decision. Your parents are likely trying to look out for you, but choose subjects that interest you and will help you in your academic career.
- Even if you’re in college, it can still be a good idea to talk to your parents if you’re having trouble deciding between subjects. They may give you some good advice!

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I plan to make my future successful?

Jennifer Kaifesh
Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
Jennifer Kaifesh is the Founder of Great Expectations College Prep, a tutoring and counseling service based in Southern California. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience managing and facilitating academic tutoring and standardized test prep as it relates to the college application process. She takes a personal approach to her tutoring, and focuses on working with students to find their specific mix of pursuits that they both enjoy and excel at. She is a graduate of Northwestern University.

Jennifer Kaifesh

Founder, Great Expectations College Prep

Expert Answer

There are many definitions of success, but finding the intersection of what you love and are good at can often lead to a financially secure, fulfilling life. Start exploring your interests at a young age. Do not be afraid to try new things. There are countless fields and career paths you may not be familiar with as a high schooler, so don't be concerned if you are not passionate about one of your five core subjects. Be willing to join new clubs, try summer programs, and find internships in different fields until you find your path.

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Question

How do you get your class ranks up?

Jennifer Kaifesh
Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
Jennifer Kaifesh is the Founder of Great Expectations College Prep, a tutoring and counseling service based in Southern California. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience managing and facilitating academic tutoring and standardized test prep as it relates to the college application process. She takes a personal approach to her tutoring, and focuses on working with students to find their specific mix of pursuits that they both enjoy and excel at. She is a graduate of Northwestern University.

Jennifer Kaifesh

Founder, Great Expectations College Prep

Expert Answer

It depends entirely on the way your school ranks. Some schools rank students based on weighted GPAs, whereas others rely solely on unweighted GPAs. Grades are the most crucial for ranking. Try to get more A's. But for a weighted GPA, you should take as many weighted courses (for instance, AP exams and, at some schools, honors courses) as possible.

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Question

How can I improve my grades in high school?

Jennifer Kaifesh
Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
Jennifer Kaifesh is the Founder of Great Expectations College Prep, a tutoring and counseling service based in Southern California. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience managing and facilitating academic tutoring and standardized test prep as it relates to the college application process. She takes a personal approach to her tutoring, and focuses on working with students to find their specific mix of pursuits that they both enjoy and excel at. She is a graduate of Northwestern University.

Jennifer Kaifesh

Founder, Great Expectations College Prep

Expert Answer

Talk to your teachers to better understand why your grades do not reflect your knowledge and effort. Are you studying terms solely to memorize them when your teacher expects you to know how to apply them? Is your teacher basing exam questions more on the textbook than in-class lectures or vice versa? Also, be sure that you are not leaving easy points on the table by failing to turn in assignments (or turning them in late). Class participation is another category that many teachers consider when calculating a final grade. Convince your teachers that you sincerely want to understand the material. Teachers are more likely to round up and offer extra credit to sincere students.

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It’s okay if you decide to drop a class ! Oglesby just recommends having an idea of what you want to replace it with to maintain your credit hours. ^{[21]
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Alicia Oglesby
Professional School Counselor

Expert Interview}

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The hardest subjects don't always equal the best education. Remember to pick subjects that are at the right level for you, even if that means being in a different class from your friends.

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Don't choose a subject only because it has a teacher you like; the teachers may change from year to year.

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Jennifer Kaifesh
Founder, Great Expectations College Prep

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Alicia Oglesby
Professional School Counselor

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Ted Coopersmith, MBA
Academic Tutor

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14 Ways to Choose the Best School Subjects & Classes

Choosing the Right Classes: Overview

Steps

Select classes that you’re required to take.

Choose subjects you’re good at.

Take classes you’re interested in.

Consider your career interests and future goals.

Pick a subject that offers a reasonable challenge.

Look up the course’s description.

Take a wide variety of classes.

Don’t take a class just because your friends are.

Prepare some backup subjects.

Ask previous students about their experience.

Don’t overload your schedule.

Don’t procrastinate.

Get advice from a teacher or guidance counselor.

Consult your parents.

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

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