Navigating through the college admission process can be daunting. The most important element of preparing for admission is to ensure that the proper high school courses are completed. Four year course planning should begin in the eighth grade as students register for ninth grade classes. The plan simply outlines courses to take in high school.
Core Courses
Also called preparatory courses, core courses are classes that prepare students to take college level curriculum. As a minimum students need to create a four year course plan that includes the following:
- Four years of English, including literature and composition
- Three years of math, including algebra I & II and geometry
- Three years of laboratory science, including biology and chemistry
- Three years of social studies/science, including geography, U.S. History, and world cultures
- Two years of the same world language
The above courses are minimum requirements; however, students should strongly consider taking as many years of the aforementioned classes as possible. Core courses provide the rigor and preparation high school students need to be successful at college. These courses will provide skills such as analyzing, reasoning, discussing, evaluating, deconstructing, and outlining.
Fine Arts
Many colleges consider fine arts courses as an admission requirement. Fine arts courses include:
- Choir/vocal
- Band/orchestra
- Traditional art, such as painting, drawing, and photography
- Drama/acting
- Dance
Some colleges may consider other courses for fine arts such as drafting, foods, and interior design. These courses allow students to experience culture, humanities, and the arts. The appreciation and knowledge of fine arts can be integrated into many courses throughout a student's college experience.
Electives
Elective courses are classes that focus on specific career pathways and technical/trade training. Examples include family and consumer science, business, technical education, career development, and work experience. Highly selective colleges, like the Harvard and Princeton types, prefer applicants to concentrate on the core and fine arts courses. Other colleges will permit students to take electives; however, the courses usually do not influence the admission decision.
Physical education, or gym courses are considered electives and are generally required by many high schools for graduation. While students should take the physical education classes required for graduation, they should limit taking additional classes in this area.
Students need to demonstrate their preparedness for college level curriculum. Their high school course selection needs to reflect higher level learning skills. Core courses gradually become more difficult or rigorous, which build towards college readiness. Limiting the number of core courses or fine arts classes in high school may affect the student's academic performance at college. Additionally, honors and Advanced Placement classes in the core areas should be considered.
Students can access their school counselor for assistance with developing a four year course plan. Counselors are knowledgeable in both the the school's curriculum and student's ability/academic performance for proper course placement. Also, families should contact prospective colleges for the specific course requirements for admission. Planning is essential to the college admission process.
Kerrie Troseth - Kerrie is a licensed school counselor who works exclusively with adolescents. As a school counselor she is trained in the areas of ...
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