Selecting Your Courses
Recommended Classes for College Success
The academic rigor of your high school courses is an important factor in the college admission process. College admission officers see your high school course schedule as a blueprint of your education. They're looking for a solid foundation of learning that you can build on in college.
To create that foundation, take at least five solid academic classes every semester. Start with the basics and then move on to advanced courses. Challenging yourself is part of what makes school fun; but you need a firm grasp of the fundamentals before going on to more advanced work.
The following subjects and classes are standard fare for success in high school and beyond, whether you plan to attend a four-year or two-year college.
English (Language Arts)
Take English every year. Traditional courses, such as American and English literature, help you improve your writing skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary.
Math
You need algebra and geometry to succeed on college entrance exams and in college math classes — and in many careers. Take them early on. That way, you'll be able to enroll in advanced science and math in high school, and show colleges you're ready for higher-level work.
Most colleges look for students who have taken three years of math in high school. The more competitive ones require or recommend four years. Each school has its own program, but some of the courses typically offered are:
- Algebra I
- Algebra II
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Calculus
Science
Science teaches you to think analytically and apply theories to reality. Colleges want to see that you’ve taken at least three years of laboratory science classes. A good combination includes two semesters of each of the following sciences:
- Biology
- Chemistry or physics
- Earth/space science
More competitive schools expect you to take four years of lab science courses. You can add two semesters in one of the following subjects:
- Chemistry or physics (the science you didn’t already study)
- Advanced biology
- Advanced chemistry
- Advanced physics
Social Studies
You can better understand local and world events that are happening now by studying the culture and history that has shaped them. Here is a suggested course plan:
- U.S. history (two semesters)
- U.S. government (one semester)
- World history or geography (one semester)
- One additional semester in the above or other areas
Foreign Languages
Solid foreign language study shows colleges you're willing to stretch beyond the basics. Many colleges require at least two years of study in the same foreign language, and some prefer more.
The Arts
Research indicates that students who participate in the arts often do better in school and on standardized tests. The arts help you recognize patterns, discern differences and similarities, and exercise your mind in unique ways, often outside a traditional classroom setting.
Many colleges require or recommend one or two semesters in the arts. Good choices include studio art, dance, music and drama.
Advanced Placement Program® (AP®)
To be sure you are ready to take on college-level work, enroll in the most challenging courses you can in high school, such as honors or AP courses. Research consistently shows that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically experience greater academic success and college graduation rates than students who don’t take AP.
Success in AP can also help you in other ways. AP helps you stand out in the admission process and offers the opportunity to learn from some of the most inspiring teachers in the world. Learn more
about the AP Program.
For More Help in Choosing Courses
Use
College Search to look up a specific college's academic requirements to be sure you are on track to attend the college of your choice.
If you have concerns about your class schedule or progress in school, set up a meeting with your school counselor, teacher or adviser. There are many resources to help you with this process, and with achieving your personal, college and career goals.
This information is from the College Board website, and you can find it
HERE!
