Stranded: ABM, STEM, HUMSS, or GAS?
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
I remember when that question felt like a fun game. My answers changed weekly, ranging from “a pirate with a cool parrot” to “a YouTuber that reviewed toys.” The need for a realistic answer was a problem for a version of myself that seemed so far away.
But as junior high school started to wrap up, that question changed. It was no longer fun but instead became a source of immense pressure. I grew to hate it because it felt like I was being asked to map out my entire future in a single sentence, and frankly, I didn’t have an answer. The decision of choosing a senior high school strand suddenly felt like the first irreversible step on that map. This one choice seemed to carry the weight of my college applications, my future career, and ultimately, my success.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re feeling the same pressure. Don’t worry though, because you are not alone in this. In this article, I’ll be walking you through the decision-making process, using my own experience and the experiences of others to help you determine which strand is truly the best fit for you.
The important thing to understand is that each strand is a specialized track. They’re designed to help you build a solid foundation for your college and future career in a particular field. While you’ll still take the same core subjects as everyone else, each strand has its own unique set of specialized subjects. These classes will prepare you for specific college courses and eventually your future career.
Take note, however, that the Senior High School Program will be undergoing a major change under the new Strengthened SHS Curriculum. The strands that we currently know will be replaced by clusters, and the 15 core subjects per semester will be reduced to five for the entire school year. Despite these changes, knowing each strand still helps, as the new clusters draw from the same foundations and will guide you through similar decisions in senior high school.
Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM)
If you’re the kind of person who finds the corporate world interesting, then you might want to consider the ABM strand. There, you’ll be able to learn the basics of managing money, running a successful business, and marketing a product. You can expect to have the opportunity to take specialized subjects like accounting and Business Math, preparing you for careers in the world of business.
If you asked Grade 11 student Drew Chua what strand he would’ve picked a year ago, he would’ve said STEM. But that changed after a heart-to-heart talk with his mom. She explained that the ABM strand was a better match for his interests, strengths, and business mindset, convincing him to make the switch.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Do you ever dream of discovering a cure for a rare disease or creating inventions? If so, STEM is the one for you! This strand is where you’ll be able to do experiments, solve complex math problems, and design your own inventions. You can expect subjects such as calculus and physics, equipping you for professions in fields like engineering, medicine, and architecture.
A science geek like Grade 11 student Justine Bryce Sigua couldn’t imagine not choosing STEM as his strand, as he’s been passionate about science since he was a kid. That passion, however, soon faced a tough reality check. Sigua now humorously shares that he “forgot that STEM has math” and finds himself “bawling out” from the challenging workload.
Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS)
If your goal is to understand and influence society through its people, politics, and culture, HUMSS is designed to hone those skills. This strand will sharpen your skills in writing, public speaking, and critical thinking through subjects like Philippine Politics and Governance as well as Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems. If you aspire to become a lawyer, journalist, or educator, this is where the path to that future begins.
With a clear goal of studying law, Grade 12 HUMSS student Bianca Iyesha Sy’s decision came down to a choice between two strands. She considered ABM but chose HUMSS for its political, social, and historical aspects, which aligned with her desire to study abroad and her involvement in extracurriculars like debate. She described her overall HUMSS experience as “great,” crediting her passionate teachers who help her vocalize and structure her thoughts coherently.
General Academic Strand (GAS)
But what if you’re not quite sure yet? That’s exactly what the GAS strand is for. It’s the most flexible strand, as it combines subjects from all the other strands. The flexibility is great for figuring out what you’re passionate about before committing to a college course.
So what do you want to be when you grow up? After all this, you still might not have decided on an answer yet, but that’s completely okay. The stories of Drew, Bryce, and Bianca tell us to stop worrying about finding the “right” path and instead focus on discovering our own path. The goal isn’t to perfectly predict your future, but to choose the track where you think you’ll learn, grow, and enjoy the most.
