High school is a tumultuous time in any student’s life and the choices you make here, particularly academic ones, will greatly shape your future. From the courses you choose to the summer programs or extracurricular activities you take part in – all these things contribute to your overall development and help build a solid resume.
As such, it is important to make decisions wisely so that you don’t have any regrets later. Often, students are not prepared for how difficult high school can be and once they begin classes, they realize they’ve bitten more than they can chew.
Consequently, they are in a dilemma and wish to change classes. Although most teachers and professionals recommend maintaining consistency in coursework, it is better to change classes at the outset if you feel that the subject you’ve chosen is not your cup of tea.
The good news is you can also benefit by switching classes, especially if you find it difficult to cope with the demands of the selected subjects. So, if you are thinking about it, we will be exploring some good reasons to switch classes in high school and how you can benefit from this choice.
When to Switch Classes?
The best time to switch classes is at the beginning of the new semester. This ensures that you do not miss out on too many classes and can easily catch up.
Navigating high school: Good reasons to switch classes
If you are considering swapping classes but don’t think it is a good idea, here are some reasons to convince you otherwise:
1. For Academic Growth
One of the most compelling reasons students consider changing classes is the pursuit of academic excellence.
As a student, you may find yourself in classes that do not nurture your critical faculties or feel challenging enough. Conversely, you may be in classes that feel too overwhelming and you are unable to handle the academic pressure. Both these things hinder academic growth and the best way out is to switch classes and choose something that is more in line with your potential and areas of interest.
Finding the right class will give you the opportunity to challenge yourself intellectually. For instance, students who do really well in the standard science courses may benefit from switching to an advanced placement (AP) class that offers a university-level curriculum.
This allows you to work at a more advanced level and delve deeper into the subject. As such, it will be of massive help when you pursue further education.
2. Learning Challenges
Not all students are able to operate at the same level. There are students who suffer from learning difficulties and may find it difficult to thrive in a constricting academic environment. In such cases, it is best to switch to a class that offers you the support system and teaching style you need.
For instance, a student may not be able to cope with the traditional science and math curriculum but may do very well in art or literature. It is best for the student to switch classes in such cases and take up something that aligns with their potential and learning capacity.
3. Career Goals
High school is the right time to begin contemplating what you want to do in the future. Your career path may not always be clear to you, which is why a number of students choose to take a gap year, but you should try to at least have some direction. This allows you to choose your subjects carefully to gain relevant skills and knowledge.
Sometimes, you may realize the classes you have chosen may not align with your career aspirations. In such cases, it is best to switch classes and pursue something that interests you. Doing so equips you with the necessary skills needed for your career path.
For example, if you want to go into writing or editing, take advanced English or writing courses. Similarly, if you want to go into engineering, taking advanced math and science courses is the way to go.
4. Out-of-School Commitments
High school students take up volunteer work, summer programs, and extracurricular activities. Some even have part-time jobs. While academics are important, it may not be the center of focus for many and it will be difficult to manage these extracurricular activities with stringent class schedules.
If you find yourself burdened by the class load and are unable to focus on your out-of-school commitments, consider switching to a more manageable class with a less rigorous schedule.
Switching to a less demanding academic schedule will allow you to get the best of both worlds and not be under unnecessary strain.
5. College Considerations
It is during high school that you start preparing for college admissions. Therefore, it may be possible that you would want to switch to certain classes keeping your dream college in mind.
For instance, if you are aiming for a medical college, consider switching to an advanced placement science and math curriculum. This will not just prepare you for college but increase your chances of being accepted by your dream college.
6. Conflict with Teachers
The dynamics and rapport within the classroom play a crucial role in the overall well-being and mental health of the student.
Sometimes, a student’s learning style may not align with the teacher’s teaching method. In some other cases, the teacher may not like the way the student approaches their studies and will frequently reprimand them. All of these create a disruptive environment not conducive to learning.
If you find yourself in this situation, consider switching classes and start afresh. Doing so will minimize disturbances and allow you to focus on studies. In addition, it will improve your comprehension skills, help you participate in the class, and improve your overall educational experience.
7. Interest Alignment
Choosing subjects of your interest are of utmost importance at high school and college level. If you find yourself stuck in a rut because you’ve chosen subjects that do not interest you, consider switching them. For instance, you may have taken up science either due to parental pressure, lack of proper information, or because your friends were opting for it.
In such cases, you might find the curriculum either uninteresting or too challenging, which could result in you falling behind. It is best, then, to switch classes and pursue something that aligns with your interest. Doing so will ensure you are excelling in your academics and get time to focus on other things. You will enjoy learning and will be able to retain what you are studying.
8. Mental Health
Your mental health should be a top priority. We understand how stressful and agitating high school can be, with its rigid curriculum. If you find it difficult to cope up with the syllabus and have continuous anxiety or sleeping problems due to the rigorous coursework, it is best to switch to less stressful classes.
Being in a more supportive environment will alleviate your stress and keep you calm. This way you can focus on your chosen subjects without being too overwhelmed by the curriculum.
How to switch classes?
While there can be several reasons to switch classes, it is important to go about it the right way and not make rash decisions. Here are some ways you can approach changing classes.
1. Speak with your parents
As a first step, inform your parent/guardian about your decision and the difficulty you are facing. They will be able to guide you better and together, you can come up with a plan that allows for seamless transition between classes.
2. Consult your teachers
You can discuss your concerns with a particular class with your teacher. Sometimes, if you are finding it difficult to follow a curriculum, teachers may be willing to make an adjustment or give you extra materials after class.
Besides, you can consult them if you wish to switch classes and they will guide you with the best possible solution.
3. Get in touch with school counselors
If you do not feel comfortable discussing your problems with your teachers or parents, consider getting in touch with the school counselor. Guidance counselors come with years of experience and can effectively handle teacher-student conflict. They will listen to your problems, provide effective solutions, and help you through the process.
4. Academic considerations
Understand that changing a class will come with its set of challenges. You will have to start afresh and catch up with whatever is being taught. Consider how your overall GPA will be affected by class changes and whether it will impact your college applications. Make the change only after considering all angles.
5. Follow school procedures
Make sure to follow your school’s procedures while changing classes. Your guidance counselor will be able to help you more in this regard. Usually, you have to submit the reason for wanting a class change in writing and your guidance counselor will take it from there.
Before you switch classes, talk to the teacher and understand the curriculum of the new class you want to take up. This ensures you do not make a hasty decision. Go over the curriculum, do your research, know more about the syllabus, and if possible, reach out to your friends or peers in those classes to know more about it.
Conclusion
Switching classes will come with its own set of challenges. You’ll need to adjust to a new classroom environment, familiarize yourself with a fresh curriculum, and catch up on any material that has already been covered.
If you are struggling with your class but do not wish to change classes, you can opt for additional tutoring or improve your time management. However, if changing classes is what you want to do, carefully follow all procedures. Switching classes and choosing something that aligns with your interest will open various doors for you and improve career prospects.
While the change will not be an easy one and require proper planning, we are sure you will adjust quickly and be able to excel in class!
Having a 10+ years of experience in teaching little budding learners, I am now working as a soft skills and IELTS trainers. Having spent my share of time with high schoolers, I understand their fears about the future. At the same time, my experience has helped me foster plenty of strategies that can make their 4 years of high school blissful. Furthermore, I have worked intensely on helping these young adults bloom into successful adults by training them for their dream colleges. Through my blogs, I intend to help parents, educators and students in making these years joyful and prosperous.