St. Augustine Prep Blog

A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing a Concentration

Posted August 22nd, 2018

A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing a Concentration

It’s a common question that parents enjoy asking kids: What do you want to be when you grow up? While the answer is usually just fun speculation for a preschooler or elementary child, it takes on far greater significance for high school students when college is on the horizon! That’s why it’s important to partner with a school where caring adult mentors and guidance personnel can help you choose a high school concentration.  

Where Have You Excelled?

What courses have been the most interesting for you in lower grades? Where have your grades been strongest? What have achievement tests indicated? You’ve probably heard the saying, “Past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior.” There’s truth there, but remember that entering a new school –– particularly one with excellent teachers and a culture of achievement –– can prompt a student to excel in areas that haven’t previously been strengths. 

What’s Your Personality Type?

We’re not just referring to introvert or extrovert! There are a wide range of personality inventories that can help pinpoint traits that will influence your future work style. But keep in mind that you’ll be maturing and growing a great deal during the high school years. While your underlying personality traits will likely stay the same, the influence of mature role models in a top-notch school can have a profound effect on your communication skills, your work ethic, and your overall achievement.

Ask the Ones Who Know You Best

Sometimes the people around you see you more clearly than you see yourself. What do parents and close relatives and friends affirm in you? Did they notice an entrepreneurial spirit when you started a neighborhood lawn mowing business? Have they observed that you’re the one who always wants to take things apart and put them back together? Do friends note that you have a sincere interest in public service?

Consider the Changing Career Market

Today’s job market is substantially different than the one your parents entered. Technology, an increasingly global economy, and an aging workforce are paving the way for exciting opportunities for today’s graduates, but your success will depend on having the right skills and preparation. Regardless of your concentration, your eventual employer will seek someone who can work well in teams, communicate effectively, think deeply and creatively, solve problems, demonstrate a strong work ethic, and adapt to the rapidly-changing workplace.

What You Shouldn’t Do!

One important word of caution: Don’t just follow what your friends are doing. That’s certainly a temptation for all of us, but keep in mind that you must live your own life, using your own God-given abilities. Look for a guidance team who can help you uncover your strengths.

Check Out the Options

St. Augustine Preparatory School offers five concentrations that give students the skills they need for success in college and beyond.

  • Liberal Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
  • Fine Arts
  • Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics
  • Business and Technology
  • World Languages and Cultures

Within these options, you’ll find an array of specialized classes and you’ll have the opportunity to take honors and Advanced Placement courses as well.

The dedicated team of caring professionals at St. Augustine Prep is eager to help you evaluate your aptitudes, uncover your strengths, and develop the character of a Christian gentleman!

Schedule a Tour!