What classes are good to take?
I think the best classes to take are those that you find intriguing. By only taking classes because you think colleges will want to see them, you are missing out on an opportunity to learn more about yourself. Seven Hills offers amazing classes across all disciplines that allow you to narrow your passions and discover what you might be interested in later on. I have loved being able to take ceramics twice and spend time developing a skill I like. All of the electives Dr. O’Connor teaches are amazing. I’m very lucky to have had him for ¾ years of my high school experience, and I think everyone should have him as a teacher at least once. I am taking his Nazi Germany and the Holocaust class right now, and it is extremely engaging and a nice break from the more typical courses I have.
Should I try to take as many AP classes as possible?
Yes and no. I think it depends on you and your capacity for a high workload and high expectations. Of course, it’s amazing to push yourself, and colleges like to see that each year you continue to challenge yourself more, but do not take the class if you think it is going to make your workload unbearable and cost you your happiness, time with friends, or your mental health. You are paying for whatever value you assign to being at an AP level with your life and happiness. Ultimately, if it’s not adding to your life or it is not something you are genuinely interested in, don’t take it. It’s not worth it.
If I have a 3.2 GPA as a freshman but really good extracurriculars, what colleges will I be able to get into?
This question honestly breaks my heart. It’s completely normal to feel concerned about your GPA, but as a freshman, it’s important to remember that you’re still at the very beginning of your high school career. Your GPA at this stage doesn’t define you or your future college options; you have three more years, and colleges would like to see an upward trend in grades. Rather than focusing solely on your GPA or worrying about college admissions right now, I would invest time in discovering your interests and passions, like those extracurriculars you’re already involved in. Despite what many at this school think, learning isn’t just about grades or numbers. It’s about what you take away from each class and how you grow as a person. As for what colleges you’ll get into, time will tell. The most important question isn’t where you go but where you want to go. There are no inherently bad or good schools, only good or bad fits for you. Don’t let your grades and potential college outcomes define you or your high school experience.
How do I deal with test anxiety?
Last year, I actually had the worst test anxiety ever. It was awful. In the days leading up to a test, I would be entirely consumed by what-ifs and worries. Sometimes, anxiety makes me paralyzed, and I don’t want to do anything, but I’ve found that taking action is the best way to combat these fears. Think deeply about what is causing you anxiety. If it’s fear of the unknown, then meet with your teacher about potential problems and review past homework or quizzes. Usually, teachers tell you what type of problems are on the test, so make sure you take good note of that. If it’s anxiety about a concept you did not fully grasp, look for more resources in that section. You can meet with your teacher or, in a pinch, outsource to YouTube or websites like Khan Academy. Make sure you also take care of yourself and sleep. If it’s 10 p.m. the night before a test, you cannot do much more. Remember that you can’t control what is on the test; you can only control how prepared you are.
