The decisions we make now in high school impact the course of the rest of our lives. We have just dipped into that wonderful time of the year when the guidance counselor’s office is busier than ever.

Sadly, the season also marks the fast approach of the course selection period for grades nine through eleven. On Jan. 22, students will be choosing the courses for the following academic school year.

Students will attempt to make the right scheduling decisions based on how they need to further their careers and improve their chances for admission to highly competitive schools like UVA and W&M.

“It’s difficult to figure out what classes will take you somewhere in life in such a short amount of time,” sophomore Vy Nguyen said.

The transcript is an important document in a student’s application. College administrations are interested in seeing if you challenged yourself with difficult coursework, and whether or not you have done well in them.

“It is definitely critical to choose challenging classes that you are

capable of doing well in,” sophomore Vinh On said. “Choosing the right classes is not only important for college acceptance but also your own development as a student.”

Students have also yet to see their first semester grades. This affects what classes they should take next year, whether it is regular, honors, or IB. However, the student’s desire and effort to learn is an important factor as well.

“Grades measure your learning capability, however, it should not be only the only factor that affects what classes you should to choose to take,” On said, “If you feel like you can take on a more difficult class, then go for it.”

In the beginning of freshman year, it seemed like graduation was a million years away. The four years often slipped by in what seems like four seconds, barely leaving enough time to plan out the rest of high school.

Starting next year in September, lines of students will be desperate to switch or drop out of their class. Each student will be filled with cries of distress, not understanding why they signed up for the class in the first place. To prevent this from occurring, students need more time to make this important decision that affects their future.