It’s time for course selection! This is always an exciting time for upperclassmen to share their experiences and help offer the younger kids advice on what classes they should take next school year.
Many kids are unsure about the types of classes they should sign up for. Should they take AP or MCC courses? There is a lot of confusion here, and underclassmen and upperclassmen alike probably still have questions about this. Here’s a rundown on MHS’s course offerings, and a guide to picking your 2027-2028 courses.
As a high school student, the sooner you know whether you want to go in-state or out-of-state for college, the better. For example, let’s say your family has grown up Hawkeye fans, and it’s your dream to go to Iowa. This information affects the types of classes you should take. If you know you are going in-state, you should be taking classes through MCC. By taking classes at MCC, you can earn credits that transfer to Iowa (or any other in-state school, for that matter). Many students have left high school with all of their general education requirements taken care of and paid for by the high school. If you are interested in Iowa nursing, you should take classes at MCC and get your CNA.
On the other hand, if you know or plan on applying out of state, your focus needs to be on AP classes. AP Classes are similar to MCC courses in a couple of ways. Both can be transferred to your college for credit (if requirements are met). Both are college-level classes. The key distinction between AP and MCC courses is this: If you pass an MCC class, you get college credit for the class that is transferable. You only get credit for an AP class if you pass the AP exam. For those who are unfamiliar, AP exams happen at the end of the school year in May. Exams are scored out of 5. To get college credit, you must have a 3 or higher (Some colleges only accept 4s and 5s for credit, so be sure to talk to your admissions counselor.)
If you don’t have any idea where you want to go to college, that is okay. You can take a mixture of AP and MCC courses or simply stick to one or the other. It is important to try to take at least one or two challenging classes each year of high school so you can prepare yourself for college. As a student, it is up to you to take initiative in this way and be an advocate for your own education.
That being said, take advantage of the work-based learning programs that MHS offers. Do you want to be a vet? Ask Mr. Welsh about an opportunity to work at a clinic. “Work-based learning is a great way for students to get experience within their intended career.” Welsh explains, “Typically, students will participate in their senior year, but we do have students start at the end of sophomore year.”
Side note, in case you forgot, what you do in high school matters. What classes you take and what opportunities you take advantage of matter. To ensure that you are setting yourself up for future success, sign up for things that will challenge you. Take difficult classes; participate in extracurriculars that are outside of your comfort zone, and learn to embrace difficult tasks. Your problem-solving skills and work ethic are traits that, when cultivated in high school, can go a long way in the real world (or so I’m told).
