College and High school are undoubtedly different worlds academically. Though, high school students should not totally exclude the relevance their current course work could have in college.

Upon suggestion, some college students found that some of their toughest high school classes and assignments were accurately what shaped them to be hardworking university students they are today.

Sooner than simply viewing high school classes and projects as something to get through until graduation arrives, students must in its place recognize the benefits to be gained from these opportunities.

Challenging course work that develops grit-

Erin Tansey, a senior at Trinity University, noted the usefulness of Advanced Placement courses to her eventual achievement in college.

"AP courses helped me enlarge my work ethic and writing skills, learn how to think significantly and learn how to integrate information to develop ideas," she said.

She added that potentially earning college credit throughout the AP exams is a perk to consider as well that perk rang true for her in college." I was able to take fewer courses per semester, had an earlier registration time and was able to start upper division courses for my major sooner. It was a vast advantage."

Chelsea Ostovarpour, sophomore at Northern Arizona University, advises students to push themselves while it comes to their high school classes, noting that the more not easy endeavors would frequently give them a close preview of what college-level courses will be like.

"Take the harder class. Join honors or AP courses or even the International Baccalaureate course if it is offered by your school," she said. "Experience stress and rigorous course work?that you will eventually find out in every college class you are in."

Courses that improve academic weaknesses- A number of high school classes can set up you to important future workforce skills. Loyola University junior Michelle Quinn suggests making an effort to refine those skills that require improvement.

"If you struggle with writing, take writing classes. Writing is significant no matter what major you pursue," she said. "It does not matter if you understand information if you cannot converse that knowledge you will not be able to succeed."

Classes that imitate college work-

Quinn cited both marketing and plan classes she took in high school that shaped her skills.

"A lot of my course work in college is project-based, and taking that project-based marketing class helped me get ready for that," she said. "This was the first class where I had the chance to learn marketing concepts and apply them in an original way."

Quinn said her high school plan class taught her how to utilize photo editing and design programs she then applied in numerous college projects.

High school students might not always be able to spot the types of classes that can apply to college experiences. Staying open-minded and exploring options you may not have considered originally could be the key in this situation.

Clare Lewis, a senior at Niagara University, found this to be true.

"A lot of subjects connect in ways that most high school students don't recognize," she said. "High school students should find classes that sound interesting to them. If your school offers a class that even somewhat relates to a possible college major, take the class and see what you think." ?

Unusual opportunities- Students should keep their ears open for opportunities their schools offer that other schools might not. This is a prime way to get a leg up on both college and real world preparation.

For example, Ostovarpour said her high school held formal senior exit interviews those necessary students to "dress up professionally, bring in a portfolio of work and be able to answer questions and describe why you deserve to graduate."

Most of all, high school students must realize this is a valuable time to understand more about themselves before entering college, Loyola student Quinn said.

"Examine. Create. Learn. Don't opt out of classes because they are difficult," she said. "Don't worry as much about grades as in fact learning the material and growing as a person. Spend your time improving yourself and doing things you are fanatical about and everything else would fall into place."