When choosing a course of study to take when in high school it is best to consider the different options you have. Whether it is through the general course of study or if you are using the college preparatory option, look at what all is entailed in what you will be studying. In some cases you can even specialize your options by taking two years at a career center or trade school during your high school career.
In the general course of study option you will find that you will be taking the classes as required in order to be able to graduate. These are essentially your English and literature courses, social studies, physical sciences, math classes and foreign language. These are the basic courses that will enable you to get a high school diploma and in general are not the classes you will take if you have aspirations to go to college.
In the college prep course of study you will be doing classes that are more challenging. In many cases, you will be taking classes that fall in the category of honors. You will be required to take a certain number of classes from each of the main fields as well as fulfilling various requirements as required by your school district. Here you are planning on continuing at a four year college following high school graduation.
If you are planning to attend a trade school or career center, in many cases you are looking to get a head start on a career immediately following high school or are looking to go into a specific field and attending a school that is designed for that. Many times, at a career center you will be able to get college credits at the career center, this is because you in all likelihood go on to get further education at a culinary or trade school following completion of high school.
No matter what course of study you complete, you will be able to continue your education in some way. All courses of study will provide you with the ability to continue on.