This article breaks down what electives are in high school, and whether you “major” in high school. If you’re an international parent or soon-to-be student, this guide will help you better understand what those words mean in the cultures where they’re typically used.
Executive Summary:
- High schools don’t offer formal “majors”. But specialized tracks (like STEM) can help you focus.
- Electives are a way to customize your education and explore future study or career options.
- Electives are optional classes you choose based on your interests, unlike core subjects.
- The “naturvetenskapsprogrammet” in Sweden is similar to a STEM track in the USA/Canada.
- In college, a major is an official specialization, unlike the informal focus you might create in high school.
Who is this for?
- International students and parents navigating education systems in the USA and Canada.
- Those interested in making informed decisions about study abroad programs.
- Linguists or language learners
Introduction
If you’re a recent high school student or about to become one, you’ve probably heard terms like “electives” or even wondered if you can “major” in something while you’re still in high school. These concepts can seem a bit confusing, especially when you’re trying to figure out what courses to take and how your choices might affect your future plans. Let’s break it down in a simple, no-stress way.
What Are Electives in High School?
Electives are classes that you choose to take based on your interests, unlike the core subjects like math, science, or English that are required. Think of electives as a chance to explore what you like or might want to do in the future. Whether it’s photography, creative writing, computer science, or even cooking, electives let you dive into topics that go beyond the standard curriculum. They’re your chance to figure out what you enjoy and what you might want to keep pursuing later.
Choosing electives is like customizing your own education. It adds a personal touch to your high school experience, allowing you to explore hobbies, develop new skills, and maybe even stumble upon something you could see yourself studying further in college or as a career. So, electives are not just a break from your required subjects; they help you build new passions and expand your horizons.
Can You “Major” in High School?
The short answer is no—at least not in the same way you can major in university. High schools don’t typically offer “majors” like colleges do, where you specialize deeply in one subject. However, some high schools offer specialized programs or tracks, like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) or arts-focused curricula. By choosing related electives and maybe even taking AP (Advanced Placement) courses, you can create a focus that feels a little like a major.
For example, if you’re passionate about science, you can take electives like biology, chemistry, and physics to create your own sort of “mini-major.” This helps you show universities that you’re really interested in a particular field, which can be helpful when applying for colleges later. It’s not officially a major, but it gives you the opportunity to tailor your learning experience.
Majoring in University vs. High School
When you get to college, a “major” becomes official—it means you’re specializing in a certain area of study. Colleges offer a huge variety of majors, ranging from psychology to engineering to fine arts, and you have to meet specific requirements to complete your chosen major. Unlike high school, where you get to sample lots of different subjects, a major is all about deep focus. It’s what you’re committing to as your main field of study.
That said, all the exploration you do in high school through your electives can help you decide what to major in when you get to college. The idea is to try different things, discover what excites you, and maybe even get a head start by taking advanced classes that could count toward college credits later. It’s all about building a foundation for what’s next.
Is “Naturvetenskapsprogrammet” the Same as STEM?
If you studied the “naturvetenskaplig linje” (or “naturvetenskapsprogrammet”) in Sweden during senior high school (gymnasiet), you might wonder how it compares to high school programs in the USA or Canada.
The “naturvetenskapsprogrammet” is most similar to what would be called a STEM track in the United States or Canada. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, and it focuses heavily on those areas—much like the naturvetenskapsprogram. In both systems, students take advanced science and math courses to prepare for future studies in these fields.
“Naturvetenskap” literally translates to “natural science,” which suggest the focus might lean a bit more towards biology, chemistry, and physics compared to a broader STEM approach, which may include engineering and technology as well. So while they aren’t identical, they are quite comparable, especially in how they prepare you for higher education in scientific disciplines.
Wrapping It Up
Electives give you a taste of the freedom you’ll experience in college, allowing you to focus on what interests you most. While high school doesn’t have “majors” in the formal sense, you can still create a personalized learning experience that sets the stage for your future studies and career choices. So, take advantage of your electives—whether you want to explore something new or get a head start in a potential career path, they’re there to make your high school experience more enriching and uniquely yours.
Key Takeaways and Actionable Steps
As a prospective, or recent, high school student:
- You now understand the role of electives and how they can help you focus your studies.
- You can begin exploring the difference between specialized tracks in high school and formal majors in college.
- You can consider using your high school electives to delve into areas of interest that could potentially become a future college major.
- If you’re studying internationally, you can identify how similar programs might align with what’s offered in the USA or Canada.
As an international parent:
- You can now reflect on how to encourage your children to consider subjects that excite them and find ways to deepen those interests, whether through electives or extracurricular activities.
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