The period of course registration stands as a formidable challenge for many students, frequently plunging them into a whirlwind of stress and anxiety. 

When students embarked on this critical journey, they encountered many obstacles that complicated their decision-making process. One of the most daunting tasks was navigating the often intricate registration systems employed by educational institutions. These systems can appear perplexing and intimidating, especially to those who are not well-versed in using Infinite Campus or the specific procedures involved. 

“I’m feeling stressed as I try to choose my courses for the upcoming school year. Meeting with teachers during access sessions complicates things, and I’m overwhelmed by the variety of available classes,” Isabella Anderson ‘27 said. “I want to make the right choices that align with my interests and goals.” 

Beyond the technical struggles, students also faced the intricacies of understanding course prerequisites. This required meticulous research into detailed course descriptions, frequent consultations with academic advisors and a careful review of their academic history to confirm that they had completed all necessary foundational courses.  

“So we know that all honors classes will be weighted at a B, 4.5 scale, and then AP will still be at a five scale, 5.0 and that will be the same for the concurrent enrollment and level three language, world languages,” Counselor Lexi Dilacqua said. 

“What is a little bit up in the air as we don’t know if you will retro wage grades, like meaning for this, the kids that have already taken honors classes, if those will be weighted retroactively,” Dilacqua said.

Weighted C.E. and Honors classes are a new system that is being adopted in the Douglas County School District. To learn more about the system, visit the academics tab at https://rockcanyonjags.com/. Or visit https://www.dcsdk12.org/ to get more information.

“Yay, it was hard, picking my classes because I just wasn’t sure what I wanted to do because there were so many options, you know,” Joshua Meyer ‘27 said.

As students sifted through an array of options, the pressure mounted, pushing them to weigh their academic interests against their aspirations for future careers. This process can breed uncertainty and self-doubt, prompting them to second-guess their choices.

 “I felt an overwhelming amount of pressure as I looked for signatures from my teachers to gauge their opinions on which courses would be the most beneficial for me,” Sneha Sah ‘26 said. 

“Each conversation left me filled with self-doubt, amplifying my anxiety about choosing the right subjects for my senior year. The weight of the decision felt heavy on my shoulders, and the uncertainty of my future made the task even harder,” Sah ‘26 said.

Adding to these challenges is the competitive nature of class enrollment. Certain courses, especially those popular or considered essential for degree completion, are often limited in availability. This creates a frantic scramble for students eager to secure a spot. The intense competition can heighten anxiety as students fear missing out on critical classes vital for their academic progress and eventual graduation. 

“So we have a new ACC US History class. It’s pretty exciting and then we’re doing Honors Geometry. Gosh, there are a lot of new honors math classes. Those are going to be a little bit different. I have them right here. So Honors Algebra I, and Honors Geometry, which are new, and then we are getting rid of chemistry in the community. And that is now the topic that’s going to be interesting. There’s not a ton of more and It’s like topics in physical science,” Dilacqua said.

Ultimately, this convergence of factors—the urgent need to curate a well-rounded and satisfying schedule, the daunting task of maneuvering through complex registration systems and the relentless pressure of competing with peers—culminates in escalating stress levels. 

“Conversations with my parents about my choices prolonged the decision-making process. The added pressure of navigating weighted honors courses and concurrent enrollment only increased my anxiety, ”  Deepika Rekulapally ‘27 said.

As students strive to make thoughtful and informed decisions that will dictate the trajectory of their academic lives, they frequently find themselves overwhelmed by the gravity of these pivotal choices. The repercussions of this stress extended beyond mere feelings of unease, significantly impacting their mental well-being and overall academic performance, casting a long shadow over their educational experience.

To reduce stress during course registration, create a clear plan on a spreadsheet or Word document for your remaining years, explore new subjects to find your passions, and take the process step by step and frequently refer to the course planning guide. Seek advice from academic counselors and meet with teachers to understand your strengths. Remember to breathe and choose subjects that genuinely interest you and where you believe you will excel.