As students settle into the second semester, the topic of course selection for next year has already arrived, leaving many feeling both eager and uneasy.
For some, the mid-January start feels rushed, while others appreciate the extra time to plan their academic paths.
This year, however, the process has felt different. Unlike in previous years, counselors did not visit W4 advisory classes to explain the course selection process, leaving many students relying on the Electives Fair and online resources.
Additionally, some students were disappointed to find that courses like IB Film 2, a popular elective, are no longer being offered due to low enrollment and staffing limitations.
“Honestly, course selection being this early really stresses me out because I don’t know what my grades will be at the end of the year,” sophomore Stefanie Gomez said. “What if I pick an IB English class for next year, but at the end of the quarter, I end up with a D for this year?”
The timing of course selection is intentional, explained Erin Crowley, Director of Student Services. Schools need early course requests to determine how many teachers they’ll need to hire for the following year.
“Students are not finalizing course selections until they meet with their counselors for Academic Advising, which has always been mid-January through late February or early March,” she said.
Junior John Vasquez, on the other hand, appreciates the flexibility to make changes later.
“I like it. If I want to change my mind, I can always just email my counselor later or in the summer,” he said. “It’s just tricky because they don’t give us the choice to choose what new electives we want.”
While some students wish the timeline were pushed back, counselors believe it’s necessary. The process of building a master schedule for over 2,000 students is a months-long effort, requiring time to sort through registrations and address potential scheduling conflicts.
Counselor Price Xander acknowledged that students may feel overwhelmed but defended the timeline.
“It takes a solid month and a half to get through all of the registrations,” Xander said. “Starting in January gives us the wiggle room we need to focus on students who might need more support in the spring, with graduation, grades, and other priorities.”
Despite these logistical reasons, students remain divided. Many, like Gomez, worry about making commitments before knowing how they’ll finish the year academically.
Others, like Vasquez, feel the current system works, though they’d like more flexibility when it comes to choosing electives.
Ultimately, staff and students alike share a common goal which is ensuring that everyone gets the courses they need to succeed. Though the process may not be perfect, there’s room for growth, whether it’s by reintroducing popular electives like IB Film, reviving W4 counselor visits, or finding ways to make course selection less stressful.
For now, the early timeline remains, with school officials encouraging students to take course selection seriously. Changes can still be made in the spring or summer if space permits, but as Xander noted, “It isn’t something that should be counted on.”
