Taking high school courses that challenge you is important for your future. Here are five reasons to take challenging courses.

1. Colleges look at the high school courses you've taken and want to see that you weren't coasting through. Look into honors or advanced placement courses if possible. Colleges will be more impressed by respectable grades in advanced courses than by outstanding grades in easy courses.
2. Tough courses give you the knowledge and skills you need to do college work. College courses are much more difficult than the standard high school course. Make sure you are prepared!
3. Students who take challenging courses score higher on college admissions tests. A higher score means a higher chance to succeed in college. Take a free ACT or SAT practice test now.
4. You'll be less likely to need remedial courses in college, and you may be able to finish college sooner. The sooner you finish college, the less money you will spend.
5. You will have more options for college and a career. Research the academic requirements for colleges that you are interested in attending so you will know what to expect. When choosing electives, select challenging classes that will better prepare you for careers in which you have interest.

ACT's list of high school course recommendations can serve as a guide for planning your choices. Be sure to check with the colleges and universities you're interested in to compare the requirements.

Source: ACT's News You Can Use