Making a decision that affects one’s future is no small task. Thankfully, guidance counselors, family members, and other caring adults appreciate the stress of course selection. Aurora Hill ’25 told the Register Forum, “My guidance counselor was very helpful with answering my emails and having sessions with me, and I was really supported by the people at home as well.” Despite a considerate environment, Hill expressed feeling an obligation to enroll in career-oriented courses. She explained, “I really want to… demonstrate to colleges that I have interest in certain topics.” Hill is certainly not alone in feeling a fervent connection between course selection and her future plans.
Daniel Bronstein ’25 described the academic culture of CRLS as being centered around AP courses to the Register Forum. He lamented, “I feel like at CRLS we’ve created a culture where you’re almost forced to take as many APs as you can. I don’t think it’s very healthy because people end up taking classes that they don’t enjoy but that are simply labeled AP so they think they have to take it.” Perhaps such pressure stems from the academic prestige of Cambridge’s numerous universities and the prevalence of academically oriented CRLS parents. Moreover, the association high school students make between their classes and the competition for selective colleges economically benefits universities. If high schoolers make their decisions based on how it will affect their college acceptance, they will later make every effort to attend expensive, name-brand colleges rather than attend more financially inclusive institutions.
Despite a prevalent AP culture, it is critical to note that racial, socio-economic, and gender barriers impact student’s course selection choices. Out of CRLS’ 465 AP test takers in 2023, only 75 qualify as low income according to data from the Massachusetts Department of Education. 34.7% of Rindge students are low income. Therefore, had the proportion of low income AP test takers matched school demographics, the total number of low income test takers would be 232% higher.
Course selection may be complicated, but CRLS guidance counselors are here to help. Learning Community L and S counselors Daniel Hikes and Jodi Mace told the Register Forum, “We want students to challenge themselves in a healthy way that makes sense for each individual and maintain a balance between AP, HN and elective courses. Guidance counselors outreach and do their best to support all students through the course request process….”
For upperclassmen enrolled in RSTA, their technical arts classes make up half of their schedule. Such an academic commitment requires 15 year olds to be ready to select their trade of choice.
Despite its stressful qualities, course selection is a reminder that time in high school is limited. There are only so many credits, classes, teachers, and friends that are possible to make in just four years. No matter what, in a school of almost 2,000 students and even more incredible resources, four years of high school will leave people and experiences left unknown. Course selection will come and go. Classes, books, and friends may someday be forgotten. The world expects us to focus on the future, so here’s to staying present.
