What Successful Baltimore Graduates Say You Should Study in High School

Students often ask a simple but important question: “What should I study in high school to succeed later in life?”

There isn’t a single perfect answer. The reality is that success in college and in a career depends on a combination of academic preparation, leadership development, curiosity, and real-world experience.

Graduates from Baltimore schools who have gone on to succeed in college, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative fields often share similar advice. They emphasize not just choosing the “right” classes—but building skills that prepare you to thrive in a complex and diverse world.

Programs like the Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel are built around this idea: investing in promising students and preparing them to become leaders with global awareness, strong community ties, and the confidence to pursue meaningful careers.

So what do successful graduates actually recommend studying? Let’s explore the skills and subjects that matter most.

Many successful college graduates say that communication skills are the most important tools they learned in high school.

Being able to read critically, write clearly, and present ideas confidently will help in nearly every field.

Students preparing for college should prioritize classes that strengthen:

• Essay writing

• Research skills

• Critical reading

• Debate and argumentation

• Public speaking

These skills matter whether you want to become a doctor, engineer, entrepreneur, journalist, or public servant.

In leadership programs and college seminars alike, students are expected to express ideas clearly and participate in meaningful discussions about complex issues.

Strong communication skills also prepare students to engage across cultures and perspectives—an important aspect of leadership development.

One piece of advice that often surprises students is this:

Don’t choose the easiest classes—choose the ones that challenge you.

Successful graduates consistently say that difficult classes helped them grow intellectually and emotionally.

Examples include:

• Advanced history or government

• Philosophy or ethics courses

• Debate teams

• Honors or AP coursework

• Research projects

These courses teach students how to analyze problems, consider multiple viewpoints, and defend their ideas.

In a diverse city like Baltimore, the ability to understand different perspectives is especially valuable.

Many leadership fellowships emphasize these skills because future leaders must navigate complex social and political environments.

Even if you don’t plan to pursue a STEM career, having a basic understanding of science and technology is essential in today’s world.

Students should try to take courses in:

• Biology

• Environmental science

• Chemistry

• Computer science

• Data literacy

These subjects help students understand how technology, medicine, and environmental issues affect our communities.

Students interested in careers in healthcare, engineering, or research will especially benefit from strong STEM preparation.

But even students pursuing business, law, or the arts will increasingly interact with scientific and technological issues in their careers.

The world is more interconnected than ever before.

Successful graduates often say that their most transformative experiences came from learning about other cultures, histories, and societies.

Courses that can broaden your worldview include:

• World history

• International relations

• Foreign languages

• Cultural studies

• Global politics

Programs that expose students to international experiences—through travel, exchange, or cultural education—can be especially powerful.

These experiences help students develop empathy, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills that are increasingly valued by universities and employers.

Academic success alone does not define future leaders.

Students who succeed in college and beyond often developed leadership skills while still in high school.

This can happen through:

• Student government

• Community service

• Mentoring younger students

• Advocacy work

• Leadership fellowships

These experiences teach students how to collaborate, organize projects, and communicate with people from different backgrounds.

In Baltimore, many youth programs encourage students to use their leadership skills to strengthen their communities and build bridges across cultures.

These experiences help young people discover their passions and develop confidence.

Another common theme among successful graduates is creativity.

Students who explore creative subjects often develop problem-solving skills that benefit them in any career.

Courses and activities that build creative thinking include:

• Visual arts

• Music

• Theater

• Digital media

• Entrepreneurship clubs

• Innovation programs

Creativity teaches students how to approach challenges from new angles, experiment with ideas, and take risks.

These are essential traits for future leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

Perhaps the most important advice successful graduates give is this:

Your education should extend beyond the classroom.

Real-world experiences often shape students’ goals and passions more than textbooks.

These experiences may include:

• Internships

• Volunteer work

• Travel opportunities

• Leadership workshops

• Networking with mentors

Students who take advantage of these opportunities often gain a clearer sense of their future career paths.

They also develop practical skills that universities and employers value.

For students in Baltimore and Maryland’s 7th Congressional District, the path to success often includes a combination of academic excellence, leadership development, and global awareness.

When planning your high school education, focus on:

• Challenging academic courses

• Leadership opportunities

• Community engagement

• Cultural learning

• Real-world experiences

These elements work together to prepare students not just for college—but for meaningful careers and impactful lives.

The question of what to study in high school ultimately comes down to a deeper question:

What kind of person do you want to become?

Education is not just about earning a degree. It is about developing the knowledge, empathy, and leadership skills needed to contribute to society.

Programs that combine education, leadership development, and cultural understanding help students discover their potential and prepare them to become thoughtful leaders.

And for many Baltimore students, that journey begins with choosing classes that challenge them, inspire curiosity, and open doors to new opportunities.