4 answers
Maria Gorretti
Student
4
Questions
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What classes should I start signing up for high school as I am not yet sure of what I want to do in life?
I am an 8th grader in middle school, signing up for high school. I am an athlete in soccer and track, and for a while, I've had aspirations for becoming a professional athlete. I've come to realize that I also need to have a plan for what jobs I can do besides that, or additionally to that. I am not sure of what specific job I want to do, but I am leaning towards the medical or engineering field. Are there specific classes that I can take that will get me ahead of the game? Are there specific classes high school athletes take to be eligible for sports in college? Also, my high school will soon be getting the IB program, and I was thinking of opting out of it, but I have heard many good things about the program. This high school does not have the best reputation for sports. What should I consider? Any help will be received with extreme gratitude.
Thanks,
Student
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4 answers
Jon. Restani
Account Manager
22
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Jon.’s Answer
Hello Marie,
As a high school soccer coach and someone who works in the high-tech industry, I really appreciate your approach. Keep working hard in athletics and focus on building a strong work ethic and setting goals. Even if athletics isn't your final path, you'll still develop valuable skills like hard work, goal-setting, and being results-driven. These qualities are what employers look for in a great candidate.
There are many fields related to athletics, such as kinesiology, nursing, and psychology. Studying the body and mind can be a great fit for someone like you who understands their importance. Keep up the great work, and good luck!
As a high school soccer coach and someone who works in the high-tech industry, I really appreciate your approach. Keep working hard in athletics and focus on building a strong work ethic and setting goals. Even if athletics isn't your final path, you'll still develop valuable skills like hard work, goal-setting, and being results-driven. These qualities are what employers look for in a great candidate.
There are many fields related to athletics, such as kinesiology, nursing, and psychology. Studying the body and mind can be a great fit for someone like you who understands their importance. Keep up the great work, and good luck!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Maria Gorretti
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Maria Gorretti !
There is nothing special or specific that you can take in high school for a future career because you have not chosen a career as yet. I would say to pay close attention to high school classes in English, Math and Science. It will be when you choose a career and the Major for college that aligns with that career that you'll be preparing with college courses for the career.
To be eligible for sports at college, you would have to know the actual college you would attend and read their specific requirements. I would say to play your sport all four years during high school.
After becoming well informed you should decide whether or not you want to make a commitment to the International Baccalaureate program that your school will soon have. It consists of college prep classes, is quite rigorous and is designed to teach students critical thinking, research skills, and global awareness. If you do the IB program, your High School Diploma would have the distinction of being an IB diploma. The requirements to be in the program are to take six academic subjects across six subject groups: language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, experimental sciences, mathematics and computer science, and the arts, along with three core components: Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity, Service, and an Extended Essay of 4,000 words. It demands that students get and maintain very high grades and sometimes some colleges give these students college credit or advanced standing based on exam scores. So think about it and if you can make a 100% commitment to it. It's okay to opt out if you decide to.
It really doesn't matter if your high school doesn't have a reputation for sports. If you participate, it shows that you have been active in extracurriculars and the experience playing sports is what matters. Discuss with your parents about transferring to a private school or another school in your district if you are seeking a high school with a popular reputation for sports. It's up to you to decide.
Just remember that decisions are made easier when you do the reading and leg work yourself and not through hearsay. You need to base your decisions on what you like, how much something will benefit you and if you are drawn to something strong enough to stick with it.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
There is nothing special or specific that you can take in high school for a future career because you have not chosen a career as yet. I would say to pay close attention to high school classes in English, Math and Science. It will be when you choose a career and the Major for college that aligns with that career that you'll be preparing with college courses for the career.
To be eligible for sports at college, you would have to know the actual college you would attend and read their specific requirements. I would say to play your sport all four years during high school.
After becoming well informed you should decide whether or not you want to make a commitment to the International Baccalaureate program that your school will soon have. It consists of college prep classes, is quite rigorous and is designed to teach students critical thinking, research skills, and global awareness. If you do the IB program, your High School Diploma would have the distinction of being an IB diploma. The requirements to be in the program are to take six academic subjects across six subject groups: language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, experimental sciences, mathematics and computer science, and the arts, along with three core components: Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity, Service, and an Extended Essay of 4,000 words. It demands that students get and maintain very high grades and sometimes some colleges give these students college credit or advanced standing based on exam scores. So think about it and if you can make a 100% commitment to it. It's okay to opt out if you decide to.
It really doesn't matter if your high school doesn't have a reputation for sports. If you participate, it shows that you have been active in extracurriculars and the experience playing sports is what matters. Discuss with your parents about transferring to a private school or another school in your district if you are seeking a high school with a popular reputation for sports. It's up to you to decide.
Just remember that decisions are made easier when you do the reading and leg work yourself and not through hearsay. You need to base your decisions on what you like, how much something will benefit you and if you are drawn to something strong enough to stick with it.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Maria Gorretti
You're very welcome for the advice !
Michelle M.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Maria Gorretti,
It's always smart to have a plan B, and with sports you can never predict if you will make it as a professional athlete. Additionally, you already had a serious injury which could put your plans in jeopardy.
Since you are in 8th grade, you have plenty of time to research different careers and find out what you would like to do with your life. If you are interested in medical professions and engineering, you should take all the math and science classes that you can get. If any medical classes are offered at your school like anatomy or psychology, those will be useful as well. I would also recommend that you do the IB program. Medical school is very competitive and colleges are looking for students who have done rigorous courses that prepare them for university. The IB is also accepted at international universities where just a high-school diploma might not be.
Since you are so involved with sports, you can also look at sports-related jobs, e.g. coaching/teaching, media, management, journalism, athletic training, events and facilities management, sports psychology, sports physician etc.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/types-of-engineering-careers
https://www.ibo.org/about-the-ib/the-ib-by-country-and-territory/u/united-states/
It's always smart to have a plan B, and with sports you can never predict if you will make it as a professional athlete. Additionally, you already had a serious injury which could put your plans in jeopardy.
Since you are in 8th grade, you have plenty of time to research different careers and find out what you would like to do with your life. If you are interested in medical professions and engineering, you should take all the math and science classes that you can get. If any medical classes are offered at your school like anatomy or psychology, those will be useful as well. I would also recommend that you do the IB program. Medical school is very competitive and colleges are looking for students who have done rigorous courses that prepare them for university. The IB is also accepted at international universities where just a high-school diploma might not be.
Since you are so involved with sports, you can also look at sports-related jobs, e.g. coaching/teaching, media, management, journalism, athletic training, events and facilities management, sports psychology, sports physician etc.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Laxmi Ramchandra Patil
Intern
5
Answers
Dharwad, Karnataka, India
Updated
Laxmi’s Answer
Dear Student,
First, I want to commend you for thinking ahead about your high school course choices and career direction — that kind of foresight will serve you well both academically and athletically.
Since you’re not yet certain about your future career, the best approach is to build a strong, balanced academic foundation while keeping doors open in multiple fields. Here are some recommendations:
1. Core Academic Courses:
Take Honors or Advanced classes in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies whenever possible.
If you’re leaning toward medicine, prioritize Biology, Chemistry, and later Anatomy or Health Science electives.
If you’re considering engineering, take Physics, Calculus (or Pre-Calculus), and Technology or Computer Science courses.
2. Electives and Enrichment:
Choose electives that match your interests — for example, Sports Medicine, Biomechanics, or Computer-Aided Design (CAD) if available.
Take a foreign language for at least 2–3 years; it’s valuable for college admissions and global careers.
3. College Sports Eligibility (NCAA requirements):
Ensure you’re taking NCAA-approved core courses, which usually include 4 years of English, 3 years of Math, 2 years of Natural/Physical Science, 2 years of Social Science, and additional approved electives.
Keep your GPA strong — athletic scholarships often require academic eligibility.
4. About the IB Program:
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is rigorous and globally respected. It can give you a strong academic advantage if you plan to apply to competitive universities. While it can be demanding (especially alongside sports), it builds excellent skills in critical thinking, research, and time management — qualities valuable in both medical and engineering paths.
If you’re unsure, consider trying Pre-IB or select IB courses before fully committing.
Balance is key — ensure you can still dedicate time to your athletics.
5. Other Considerations:
Since your school isn’t sports-focused, look for club, travel, or community sports programs to continue competing at a higher level.
Stay involved in student leadership, volunteering, or STEM-related clubs — these experiences strengthen both college and scholarship applications.
In summary: keep your academics strong, stay active in your sports, and use the next year or two to explore what subjects you truly enjoy. High school is a great time to discover your direction while setting a solid foundation for whichever path you choose.
Best regards,
First, I want to commend you for thinking ahead about your high school course choices and career direction — that kind of foresight will serve you well both academically and athletically.
Since you’re not yet certain about your future career, the best approach is to build a strong, balanced academic foundation while keeping doors open in multiple fields. Here are some recommendations:
1. Core Academic Courses:
Take Honors or Advanced classes in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies whenever possible.
If you’re leaning toward medicine, prioritize Biology, Chemistry, and later Anatomy or Health Science electives.
If you’re considering engineering, take Physics, Calculus (or Pre-Calculus), and Technology or Computer Science courses.
2. Electives and Enrichment:
Choose electives that match your interests — for example, Sports Medicine, Biomechanics, or Computer-Aided Design (CAD) if available.
Take a foreign language for at least 2–3 years; it’s valuable for college admissions and global careers.
3. College Sports Eligibility (NCAA requirements):
Ensure you’re taking NCAA-approved core courses, which usually include 4 years of English, 3 years of Math, 2 years of Natural/Physical Science, 2 years of Social Science, and additional approved electives.
Keep your GPA strong — athletic scholarships often require academic eligibility.
4. About the IB Program:
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is rigorous and globally respected. It can give you a strong academic advantage if you plan to apply to competitive universities. While it can be demanding (especially alongside sports), it builds excellent skills in critical thinking, research, and time management — qualities valuable in both medical and engineering paths.
If you’re unsure, consider trying Pre-IB or select IB courses before fully committing.
Balance is key — ensure you can still dedicate time to your athletics.
5. Other Considerations:
Since your school isn’t sports-focused, look for club, travel, or community sports programs to continue competing at a higher level.
Stay involved in student leadership, volunteering, or STEM-related clubs — these experiences strengthen both college and scholarship applications.
In summary: keep your academics strong, stay active in your sports, and use the next year or two to explore what subjects you truly enjoy. High school is a great time to discover your direction while setting a solid foundation for whichever path you choose.
Best regards,
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Maria Gorretti