So next year I’m a junior and I plan on taking a class class Human Growth and Development. I think the course is for people who plan on working with children in the future. I have no desire to work with children or be a teacher in the future. I am only taking the class because there were no other ones I was interested in. Would this look bad, like I am just taking an “easy” class with no relation to my major?
Maybe, maybe not, depending on the selectivity of the college. Why would you want to submit a weaker application than you’re capable of, or one that isn’t a reflection of you and your values and interests?
Go see your guidance counselor. You probably have options you aren’t aware of.
^ Just to be clear, I am not saying it is okay to avoid the cores for classes you prefer. However, there are a lot of different choices under the “social studies” umbrella. You should be able to find something challenging and relevant to your interests as well as your future area of study. Your guidance counselor can help with options at your school, and perhaps with online or concurrent enrollment options too.
Yes colleges care what courses you take. Very much so. That said, as long as you are taking all of your core courses, it’s fine to have an interesting elective.
I agree with talking to your GC though.
If it’s just one class and you have interest in it then take it. I agree with everything said ^^^ also. Talk to your counselor. If the rest of your schedule and classes have shown rigor and you just want to take this class because you have interest in it then go for it. You are allowed to take a class here and there for discovery.
No other classes were interesting? Did you read through the course descriptions? Unless you go to a small high school with very few offerings, there are usually at least a couple of electives that are of interest. If you truly have no interest, maybe you can study something of interest and do a WISE-type program, or Dual Enrollment at a community college. Talk to your guidance counselor.
I already have 5 APs for next year (Psyc, WH, Calc AB, Lang, & Phys C). I am also taking Honors French. I have to take 1 more class because I am required to take 7 courses. The only other class I seemed slightly interested in taking was AP Human Geo, but I really don’t want to take 6 APs. I thought I would be kind to myself and allow myself to take a slightly “easier” course. Would colleges see that as a bad thing?
5 APs in one year is plenty. Since you are taking all your core classes already, you can take a non core class. There are plenty of classes that just are not offered on the AP level such as an honors class in art, music, business, or technology.
Since you are taking 5 AP classes also, go ahead and take the easier one. My son is currently a senior taking 6 AP classes and is taking gym and a mentors class to have a break. He had no problem with college acceptances.
At my school human growth and development is sex ed. I’d check to be sure that it’s not at your school if I were you.
Since you have 5 core classes at a high level, you’re free to take whatever elective strikes your fancy. An elective oednt have to relate to your future career or major.
Taking an easy class may or may not be reflected in your guidance counselor’s assessment of you. Some schools consider taking the most rigorous courses available to be a primary factor in making admissions’ decisions.
No clear cut answer. You have received great advice on this thread. Consider asking for your guidance counselor / advisor’s opinion.