S5E23: How to Choose Your High School Classes for College Admissions | AP, IB, A-Levels & More

🎓 Need help building your academic and college admissions strategy? Learn more about Admittedly and how our team of former Ivy+ admissions officers helps students make strategic decisions

Course selection is one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of building a competitive college application. The classes you choose don't just determine your GPA; they show admissions officers how you've challenged yourself, where your academic interests lie, and how you've taken advantage of the opportunities available to you.

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel breaks down how students should approach course selection across AP, IB, A-Level, and other academic systems. He also explains how to think ahead from middle school through senior year—and what students can do if they realize they need to strengthen their academic trajectory or their school doesn't offer the courses they need.

Key Takeaways Why course selection and academic rigor matter beyond your GPA How early academic decisions can shape your options later in high school How to approach AP, IB, A-Level, honors, and other advanced curricula Why your most rigorous courses should align with your intended academic interests How to use outside courses, community colleges, and other options to strengthen your academic trajectory What to do if you realize you're behind or made the wrong course choices Why senior year should represent the strongest point in your academic progression Conclusion There isn't one perfect high school schedule for every student. The goal is to build an academic trajectory that makes sense for your interests, your goals, and the opportunities available at your school—and to think ahead before individual course decisions limit your options. And if you haven't followed the ideal path so far, there may still be ways to strengthen it.

🎓 Need help building your academic and college admissions strategy? Learn more about Admittedly and how our team of former Ivy+ admissions officers helps students make strategic decisions around course selection, testing, extracurriculars, college lists, applications, and more.

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