High School Classes Colleges Look For:
English:
Take English every year. Traditional course, such as American and English literature help improve your writing skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary.
Math:
Algebra and geometry help you succeed on college entrance exams and in college math classes. Take them early so you'll have time for advanced science and math, which show colleges you're ready for higher-level work.
Most colleges want students to have 3 years of high school math. More competitive colleges prefer 4 years. Take some combination of the following:
Algebra 1
Algebra 2
Geometry
Trigonometry
Calculus
Science:
Science teachers you how to think analytically and how to apply theories to reaility. Colleges want to see that youve taken at least three years of laboratory science classes. A good combination includes a year of each of the following:
Biology
Chemistry or physics
Earth/space science
Schools that are more competitive expect four years of lab science courses, which you may be able to get by taking advances classes in these same areas.
Social Studies:
Improve your understanding of local and world events by studying the cultures and history that helped shape them. Her is a suggested high school course plan:
U.S. History
World History or Geography
U.S. Government
An extra half year in the above or other areas
Foreign Languages:
Solid foreign language study shows that you're willing to stretch beyond the basics. Many colleges require at least to 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, learn to notice differences and similarities, and exercise your mind in unique ways. Many colleges require or recommend one or two semesters in the arts. Good choices include studio art, dance, music, and drama.
Challenging Course Work:
To ready yourself for college-level work, enroll in challenging high school courses such as honors classes or AP courses. You may even be able to take college courses at your high school or a local college.
More Help Choosing Courses:
Use College Search to look up a specific college's academic requirements to be sure you're on track to attend the college of your choice. You can also meet with a school counselor or teacher if you have questions about choosing classes and staying on track for college.
Adapted from bigfuture.com
Take English every year. Traditional course, such as American and English literature help improve your writing skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary.
Math:
Algebra and geometry help you succeed on college entrance exams and in college math classes. Take them early so you'll have time for advanced science and math, which show colleges you're ready for higher-level work.
Most colleges want students to have 3 years of high school math. More competitive colleges prefer 4 years. Take some combination of the following:
Algebra 1
Algebra 2
Geometry
Trigonometry
Calculus
Science:
Science teachers you how to think analytically and how to apply theories to reaility. Colleges want to see that youve taken at least three years of laboratory science classes. A good combination includes a year of each of the following:
Biology
Chemistry or physics
Earth/space science
Schools that are more competitive expect four years of lab science courses, which you may be able to get by taking advances classes in these same areas.
Social Studies:
Improve your understanding of local and world events by studying the cultures and history that helped shape them. Her is a suggested high school course plan:
U.S. History
World History or Geography
U.S. Government
An extra half year in the above or other areas
Foreign Languages:
Solid foreign language study shows that you're willing to stretch beyond the basics. Many colleges require at least to 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, learn to notice differences and similarities, and exercise your mind in unique ways. Many colleges require or recommend one or two semesters in the arts. Good choices include studio art, dance, music, and drama.
Challenging Course Work:
To ready yourself for college-level work, enroll in challenging high school courses such as honors classes or AP courses. You may even be able to take college courses at your high school or a local college.
More Help Choosing Courses:
Use College Search to look up a specific college's academic requirements to be sure you're on track to attend the college of your choice. You can also meet with a school counselor or teacher if you have questions about choosing classes and staying on track for college.
Adapted from bigfuture.com