This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org.
Throughout this website, we’ve mentioned the importance of taking AP, IB, Honors or whatever the most challenging, rigorous courses are called at your school. But what if you’re in a school that either does not offer these advanced courses, or puts a cap on class size so that not every interested student can enroll?
The first thing you should know is that college admission offices will know that these courses are not offered at your school. They receive school profiles that list the classes that are available to you.
The second thing you should know is that there are other ways to enhance your high school transcript. You just need to take the initiative and show that you enjoy learning for the sake of learning. Pursuing these opportunities will not only enable you to gain deeper knowledge of whatever you’re interested in; it will also show colleges that you are serious about finding ways to enrich yourself, academically and intellectually.
Start at Your High School
A great place to start is to ask teachers in your high school if they have any recommendations, particularly if they teach a subject you’re interested in, or a subject related to one you’re interested in. Ask them about options for independent study: For instance, a physics teacher at your school might be able to give you an “independent study” in engineering, even if it is not offered as a course in your school. You could also sign up for a class at a local community college. Sometimes, high schools have agreements with nearby colleges that allow high school students to take these courses for free or at a reduced price, provided that a student has passed certain state exams that serve as prerequisites; find out from your guidance department if your school has such a relationship with any local post-secondary institutions.
Consider Online Options
You should also peruse online course offerings. Websites like Coursera and Class2Go offer hundreds of free courses in all the major disciplines. These courses require a time commitment, usually one or two lectures a week for several weeks (much like it would be if you took the course in college), complete with homework assignments. They will give you the sense of what it’s like to study these disciplines at the college level. Though most Coursera courses will not give you credit at the university from which they are taught, you do receive a certificate of completion. Khan Academy is a similar website, though its video lectures are more tutorials than on-going courses; however, it may be a useful site to explore to find out what subjects interest you.
Look in Your Community
In addition, check out the offerings at your local community center or public library, where special guest speakers will often be brought in to deliver lectures or participate in panel discussions. Organizations like your local Jewish Community Center or YMCA offer plenty of programming (classes, lectures by famous authors or politicians, theater performances, concerts, etc.) that is not geared specifically toward any religion, and is open to the public, usually for a nominal fee (which can sometimes be waived if you’re a student.) You should also check for programming at your local bookstore, whether it’s a chain or independently owned—a lot of bookstores bring in authors to speak about their books when they come out, which gives you a great opportunity to hear a reading and lecture by an author in whose writing you might be interested.
Lastly, your local Parks and Recreation center almost certainly puts out a catalogue of courses every season, in subjects ranging from photography, to knitting, to birding (yes, this really is something people study!), to CPR. Check out this catalogue in print or online, and see if there’s a course that sounds right for you.
So, find what you’re passionate about, and get out there! Good luck!