Before selecting which classes a student wants to take, it is first important to understand yourself and your own personal interests. Knowing this can help students understand what future careers interest them, and intern which high school classes will best prepare them. Below is an Interest Profile from O*Net. Additional resources can be found online at: mynextmove.org.

Realistic:

People with Realistic interests like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and answers. They like working with plants and animals, and real-world materials, like wood, tools, and machinery. They enjoy outside work.

Investigative:

People with Investigative interests like work that has to do with ideas and thinking rather than physical activity or leading people. They like to search for facts and figure out problems.

Artistic:

People with Artistic interests like work that deals with the artistic side of things, such as acting, music, art, and design. They like creativity in their work and work that can be done without following a set of rules.

Social:

People with Social interests like working with others to help them learn and grow. They like working with people more than working with objects, machines, or information. They like teaching, giving advice, and helping and being of service to people.

Enterprising:

People with Enterprising interests like work that has to do with starting up and carrying out business projects. These people like taking action rather than thinking about things. They like persuading and leading people, making decisions, and taking risks for profit.

Conventional:

People with Conventional interests like work that follows set procedures and routines. They prefer working with information and paying attention to detail rather than working with ideas. They like working with clear rules and following a strong leader.

Tips for Choosing the Right Classes for You

• Team Approach - The best approach to a proper schedule is for students, with assistance from their parents and advisor, to carefully select correct choices when they register.

• Aim High - Select challenging courses in high school to prepare for future educational and career goals. 

• Balance Schedule - Be mindful of your time and what you can take on. Remember to take into account activities and other responsibilities.

• Be Selective - Choose elective courses that challenge learning, support interests, allow for exploration, and pursue vocational goals.

• Ask Questions - If in doubt about anything, ASK

• Take Responsibility - Although counselors, teachers, principals, and professionals in your field of interest can help with advice in choosing courses, THE FINAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR COURSE SELECTION RESTS ENTIRELY WITH STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS OR GUARDIANS. Registration is a big task. Take your time reading, learning, and planning for the best possible high school experience.

• Alternates Matter - Every effort is made to give students the courses they desire. However, due to course enrollment and staffing availability, students may not receive every class they choose. Please be sure to make alternate course selections in order of preference.