At Gibbons, the process for taking a class stays the same every year. When course registration opens, your grades from the first semester and your PSAT determine what classes you qualify for. If a student is not happy with the qualifications, Gibbons offers a placement test for every grade.
This test consists of general questions that are the difficulty level and style of the course that student wishes to take. If they pass, then that option of class opens up for them and, if not, then they may not take that course. Many students might not always be happy with their results or they overwhelm themselves thinking they can take more classes than they can handle.
When this occurs, they should always refer back to their college counselor. Every student at Gibbons is assigned a counselor from freshman year that will academically help them through their four high school years. They will give their students all the advice they think is fit so the student is in their right level classes and don’t struggle.
Most students think they can handle more workload than they actually can and college counselors stop them from making that mistake. The most important thing isn’t having all the AP classes that you fail, but finding the right level of class you need where you can get an A.
Before course selection, students should think ahead and consider which courses. They should consider what they want to do and what would help their GPA. Students should aim to take classes in which they know they will be confident and will get a good grade while still being challenged. Choosing the right balance between difficulty and manageability can help students stay motivated and avoid being overwhelmed.
Planning also helps you avoid last-minute stress. By taking your time to think about what you want to learn and why, you can build a balanced schedule that challenges you, keeps you motivated, and prepares you for college or your career after high school. When you take your time to plan, you create a balanced schedule that challenges you while still being manageable.
Another smart step in choosing your courses for next year is talking to your teachers. Teachers can give you valuable insight into what classes are like for next year, including the workload and expectations.
Speaking with teachers who have taught the class before can help you understand whether the course matches your strengths and learning style. Their advice will help you decide whether a class is right for you and how to prepare for it. By combining thoughtful planning with guidance from teachers, students can make confident choices and set themselves up for a successful school year.
