A

In a recent survey, over half of first-year college students wished they had worked harder in high school. Taking challenging classes in high school, such as honors and college-level courses, builds new skills and prepares you for college. They are exactly what admissions officers like to see on applications.

Experience a Different Approach

Here's a brief overview of some of the classes that may be available to you:

• Honors classes usually cover similar material as regular classes, but at a faster pace or more deeply than regular classes.

• College Board's AP Program offers college-level classes that help students develop and apply skills, such as reading critically, solving problems analytically, and writing clearly. More than 30 classes are available.

• The IB program offers college-level classes that stress developing your thinking skills and an awareness of global issues.

• College courses may be available for you to take while still in high school, either at your school or on a college campus.

Find Your Passion

Courses like these can introduce you to topics and ideas not covered in the regular classroom. You may even discover the subject that will become your college major or the focus of your career.

Prepare for College

Showing that you' re willing to push yourself by taking demanding classes in high school can help when you' re applying to college. The level of courses you take now is one of the first things colleges look at.

In addition, college courses, IB classes and exams, and AP Exams may lead to college credits, advanced placement, or both in college. This means you may be able to skip some basic college courses and move directly into interesting, advanced classes. This also may allow you to free up enough time to pursue a double major or study abroad.