5 Questions To Ask When Choosing Your SHS Track
If you’re a Grade 10 student, chances are, you’ve been asked a gazillion times which Senior High School (SHS) track and strand you’re going to take. And most probably, you’ve been asking yourself the same thing.
While this decision may be daunting for you at this time (it’s okay though, it’s not just you!), it doesn’t have to keep you from making the right decision. So yes, keep asking, but make sure to ask the right questions!
For starters, here are 5 questions you can ask yourself when choosing your SHS strand:
What do you enjoy doing on your free time?
There is no question how busy people are nowadays. Just one look at our addiction to planners and productivity apps, and you’ll know people are #desperate to get things done. That’s why, your ~precious~ free time is a good starting point when choosing a strand.
What are you doing beyond your checklist and daily to do’s? When you know your interests and hobbies, it helps you narrow down your options to a strand that you might actually enjoy. After all, you don’t want to drag yourself to school everyday, don’t you?
What are you good at?
While having fun in your studies is great, excelling in it is equally important, too. Since different tracks and strands have different areas of focus, knowing which subjects you find easy and challenging can be really helpful. It isn’t only a good indicator of which strand will fit you best, it also gives you a preview of which subjects in your chosen strand can easily get you an A+ and which subjects you need extra time for review.
If you’re into reading and creative writing, take HUMSS. If you think you’re an Einstein in the making, STEM might be the one for you!
How do you see yourself in the future?
More than just choosing a strand, your decision can actually make a significant impact in your life. What does your dream job look like? What career path do you envision for yourself?
At this time, you might still be having uncertainties in deciding which track to take and the pressure of figuring out your future career path is slowly growing in on you— and that’s okay. Remember that as you take the little steps, you will get there too. Your choice of SHS track, however, is a good step to begin with.
What is the practical option?
Sure, pursuing your passion and interests are considered by many the first step to finding the right strand for you! However, this may not be the best option for all. Some tracks require exposure trips, others a set of laboratory equipment. Thus, being more “expensive” than other tracks (read: scholarships come to the rescue!). In some cases, some schools might not even offer your choice of strand.
That’s why it’s important to keep in mind practical considerations such as expenses, logistics, and convenience. These factors may not sound as enticing as one’s true passion, but they are valid considerations that can either make or break your decision.
Who have you asked about your decision?
Take advantage of every learning opportunity. Ask your family, friends, colleagues, even your previous teachers which strand they deem fit for you. Sometimes, it’s in the process of asking that we discover much of ourselves that we don’t recognize in our day to day. Ask away! At worst, they’ll say things you already know.
Getting asked which SHS track and strand you will take over and over may pressure you to just go with anything less than what you really, really want (and carefully thought of), but remember that there are four tracks you can choose from plus these questions to guide you. We’re pretty sure you’ll find the right one for you!
Still got more questions about the possible SHS tracks and strands you can take? Don’t worry. Learn more about it in the All About Senior High blog section at Edukasyon.ph now!
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