Though the first day of school felt like two seconds ago, it is time for students to go through the annual course registration process again. Whether it’s your first time as a rising sophomore or you’re a seasoned veteran in the class of 2027, everyone struggles with which classes to pick. Here is the definitive guide to help you complete your registration for the upcoming school year and prepare for true success.

From Feb. 13 through Feb. 25, you will receive the renowned golden ticket, which serves as the gateway to next year’s possibilities. Do not fill this out haphazardly! Below are the ultimate Do’s and Don’ts to navigate through the golden ticket for a victorious year.

DO’S:

• Pay Attention to Graduation Requirements and Required Courses: To meet the graduation requirements, you need to complete Healthful Living and at least six electives, including a concentration of two credits in Art, CTE or a World Language (example: taking Spanish I in 9th grade, then Spanish II in 10th). No one wants to have to take a required health class as an upperclassman, so get it out of the way sooner rather than later. Taking these courses earlier gives you more flexibility later on to explore more advanced or interest-based electives without feeling like you missed out. You will be a senior before you know it, so the time to prepare is now. Look out for which classes are required to graduate and which colleges prefer you to take, like a World Language. Many colleges require or strongly recommend foreign language courses in high school, often seeking at least two years, so research college expectations now to avoid limiting your options later.

• Talk to Teachers, Counselors and Students: Teachers can provide insight into course rigor, content and offer recommendations. They can also let you know how successful you might be in a certain class. Counselors are here to help ensure your schedule meets graduation and college requirements, ultimately helping you make informed decisions for your educational path. Having these conversations early can prevent scheduling issues later on. Also, take advice from your peers! On Feb. 18, the elective fair will be hosted in the West Gym during both lunches. Take this opportunity to learn more about electives from the perspective of the students, as they are often more realistic.

• Read the Course Description Guide: While it may be long, the course description guide does contain valuable information about prerequisites, workload and course content. Use it to identify classes that align with your future goals, interests or potential career paths. Don’t know what you want to do after you graduate? Simply find classes that you think will interest you for a whole school year. Enloe offers a wide range of unique courses you might not even be aware of unless you take the time to explore the guide, so make good use of it!

• Be Realistic: Consider how demanding your schedule might be alongside extracurriculars like sports, jobs and clubs. The goal is to challenge yourself, but don’t overload. Maintaining a healthy balance between school and your personal life helps prevent burnout and keeps your grades stable.

DON’TS:

• Pile on the APs: The peer pressure to take AP classes at Enloe is hard to ignore, but ask yourself: Is this a smart move? Wanting a challenge is great, but taking too many AP classes at once can lead to unnecessary stress. Rising sophomores especially should spread them out over the years and focus on doing well in two or three courses rather than five or six. Think about the subjects you actually excel in, and take advantage of those advanced classes. If you hate reading and writing, maybe don’t take AP Language and Composition.

• Miss Out on Art Classes: From chorus and dance to theater and visual arts, Enloe offers many creative opportunities to explore and express yourself, so don’t skip over these classes when choosing your schedule. For rising sophomores and juniors, taking them early allows you to build on those skills, discover new interests and progress into advanced-level courses before you graduate. Colleges love to see commitment within your courses over the years, so starting early will only benefit you. You can be a part of the beautiful art and the wonderful productions created here at Enloe!

• Choose the “Easiest” Classes: School is meant for you to learn; don’t let free education pass you by because you “don’t care.” From honors to AP and IB, Enloe offers students the chance to challenge themselves and think critically about various topics, so make the most of it! Additionally, colleges don’t just look at grades; they also consider the rigor of your classwork. Aim for classes that appropriately challenge you and reflect your academic potential. Don’t limit yourself.

• Choose Random Alternate Courses: When selecting alternatives, pick electives that you would genuinely be okay with taking. There is no priority with your ranking of alternates or even a guarantee that you’ll end up with your primary options, so choose wisely. With the extra space in your schedule for rising juniors and seniors, the selection can seem sparse, but choose an option that might be vaguely interesting to you and a course you can see yourself committing to for an entire school year.

Students will have from Feb. 27 through Mar. 2 to continue their registration process, turning in their verification forms with any changes to their golden ticket. The choices you make towards classes can help you discover new interests, prepare for college or simply enjoy coming to Enloe every day. With careful planning and a clear sense of your goals, you’ll set yourself up not only for success but also for a fulfilling high school experience. Refer to the student services website for more information!