Electives: Strike a Balance

When signing up for classes we’re constantly pressured to take more classes and harder classes. But these tips are all about the core-4 (English, Social Studies, Math, Science).

So how on earth are we supposed to pick our electives?

Today I’m going to break down the basic types of electives, and how to spin them in the application process.

Type 1: The academic elective

            This is when you sign up for an extra core-4 class as an elective. I would say that AP Statistics (while taking Calc) is the most common type of this. But this could also be an extra science, English, math, or social studies. Really, this is any non core-4 AP (Computer Science, Art History, Psych, etc.).

These classes are great to talk about when asked about the rigor of your schedule. You added in extra classes. This demonstrates passion in a subject and a need to challenge yourself.

But: This type can be stressful (as it’s an extra academic class) and may not be as enjoyable as other options. If you’re choosing to do these that’s great, but make sure that you have some things you enjoy and won’t be too stressed in as well.

Type 2: The artsy elective

            This is a class in any creative or performing art. Included are studio art, music, dance, theater, etc.

These types of classes show that you have a passion in an art, and a talent. If you’re really good at one of these you could even send in an arts supplement LINK. Taking time off from your studies to pursue these classes demonstrates your commitment to the arts, which is a big plus.

But: At many schools there is no way to increase the rigor of this class (ex: there’s only one level of theatre or orchestra), which won’t hurt, but also is slightly less impressive. Make sure, if you’re talking about these classes, that you mention how you challenged yourself year after year by adding rigor to the same projects.

Type 3: The technical elective

            This is a class geared towards teaching you a skill. This could be computer science, auto shop, engineering or robotics of any kind, or any kind of building/architecture class.

These types of classes are excellent because they are teaching you a real skill. Even better, these can often translate into a college major, and demonstrate skills in the field. Make sure you have a portfolio of the individual projects you’ve done, and any interesting things you’ve finished.

But: These classes can be challenging, so be careful that you’re doing your best in them. Additionally, sometimes the higher levels of these classes can be hard to explain, so if the class is something interesting/impressive make sure that a good description is given.

Type 4: The skills elective

            This is any type of elective where you’re learning a real life skill. This could be anything from a home-ec class that’s teaching you how to cook and sew to a class on debate and conflict resolution. These can also be vocational-based classes. Anything that involves volunteering would also fall under this umbrella.

These types may not often carry the prestige that a more challenging elective provides, but they’re classics. People who take these types of classes are probably well adjusted, and are ready to take on the world.

But: As I said, these classes often carry the stigma of being “easy.” And while there’s nothing wrong with an easy elective (we all need that extra A or two), make sure you’re balancing these with more difficult classes.

Type 5: The business elective

            This is when you’re learning anything about economics, finance, marketing, real estate, and accounting. Anything that’s taught in the business school at college.

These types are excellent because you’re learning real life skills and you’re demonstrating an interest in the subject. If you’re thinking of being a business major, check these out to get a bit of background in the subject.

But: These types of classes might be difficult, especially if you have no background. You might also take versions of these same classes in college, which could be frustrating for a variety of reasons.

So when you sign up for electives make sure to have a nice well-rounded balance of rigor and interests. Experiment and try new things, you never know what that extra class you took on a whim will end up teaching you or where it will take you.