High School electives - how much do they matter?

Applying to College
1

<p>So my 9th grader is picking her classes for next year. After the usual math, science, social studies, english, foreigh language and PE, she can choose one elective. </p>

<p>Her school ranks classes in 5 levels: AP, 1 (advanced), 2 (honors), 3 (college prep), 4 (remedial). My daughter takes Level 2 classes. For the main classes, there's a choice of levels. For electives, there isn't. If you want to take cooking, it's level 3. If you want to take sculpture or tv production, it's level 2. Etc.</p>

<p>So - two questions. Does it matter to colleges if she takes a level 3 elective such as cooking (when there's no choice of level 1 or 2? And does it matter if she takes a "fun" elective such as cooking, instead of an academic elective?</p>

2

<p>Even the most competitive colleges don’t expect applicants to be academic automotons. Have her choose the one that she’ll most enjoy in light of ther other classes. If one semester she wants a light elective: fine. Another semester she might take a more academic elective: fine as well. These aren’t deal-breaking decisions. I would advise my kids the same.</p>

3

<p>The biggest thing to consider is what schools you/your daughter are aiming for. Admissions offices will have profiles on your high school and will look to see if she took the challenging courses and compare her selection with her peers.
If all the other high achievers are avoiding electives, she may be wise to do so.</p>