Learn How High School Classes Can Offer College Benefits

High school and college are undoubtedly different worlds academically. However, high school students shouldn't totally rule out the relevance their current course work could have in college.

Upon reflection, some college students found that some of their toughest high school classes and assignments were exactly what shaped them to be the hardworking university students they are today.

Rather than simply viewing high school classes and projects as something to get through until graduation arrives, students should instead recognize the benefits to be gained from these opportunities.

[Learn how to prepare for college during high school.]

1. Challenging course work that develops grit: Erin Tansey, a senior at Trinity University, noted the usefulness of Advanced Placement courses to her eventual success in college.

"AP courses helped me develop my work ethic and writing skills, learn how to think critically and learn how to integrate information to develop ideas," she said.

She added that potentially earning college credit through the AP exams is a perk to consider as well -- that perk rang true for her in college." I was able to take fewer courses per semester, had an earlier registration time, and was able to start upper division courses for my major sooner. It was a huge advantage."

Chelsea Ostovarpour, a sophomore at Northern Arizona University, advises students to push themselves when it comes to their high school classes, noting that the more difficult endeavors will often give them a close preview of what college-level courses will be like.

"Take the harder class. Join honors or AP courses, or even the International Baccalaureate course if it is offered by your school," she said. "Experience the stress and rigorous course work that you will eventually find in every college class you are in."

[Get college advice from past high school students.]

2. Courses that improve academic weaknesses: Some high school classes can introduce you to important future workforce skills. Loyola University junior Michelle Quinn suggests making an effort to refine those skills that need improvement.

"If you struggle with writing, take writing classes. Writing is important no matter what major you pursue," she said. "It doesn't matter if you understand information if you cannot communicate that knowledge -- you will not be able to succeed."

3. Classes that mimic college work: Quinn cited both marketing and design classes she took in high school that shaped her skills.

"A lot of my course work in college is project-based, and taking that project-based marketing class helped me prepare for that," she said. "This was the first class where I had the opportunity to learn marketing concepts and apply them in a creative way."

Quinn said her high school design class taught her how to use photo editing and design programs she then applied in numerous college projects.

High school students may not always be able to spot the types of classes that could apply to college experiences. Staying open-minded and exploring options you may not have considered initially could be the key in this situation.

Clare Lewis, a senior at Niagara University, found this to be true.

"A lot of subjects connect in ways that most high school students don't recognize," she said. "High school students should find classes that sound interesting to them. If your school offers a class that even somewhat relates to a possible college major, take the class and see what you think."

[Find out how to practice college study skills during high school.]

4. Unusual opportunities: Students should keep their ears open for opportunities their schools offer that other schools might not. This is a prime way to get a leg up on both college and real world preparation.

For instance, Ostovarpour said her high school held formal senior exit interviews that required students to "dress up professionally, bring in a portfolio of work and be able to answer questions and explain why you deserve to graduate."

Most of all, high school students should realize this is a valuable time to figure out more about themselves before entering college, Loyola student Quinn said.

"Read. Create. Learn. Don't opt out of classes because they are difficult," she said. "Don't worry as much about grades as actually learning the material and growing as a person. Spend your time improving yourself and doing things you are passionate about, and everything else will fall into place."

Cathryn Sloane is a marketing coordinator for Varsity Tutors. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Iowa.