Preparing for College

Recommended High School Courses for College

The following are recommended college prep courses for students to take in high school*:

English - 4 years
Classes include: composition, American literature, English literature and world literature

Mathematics - 4 years
Classes include: algebra I, geometry, algebra II, trigonometry, pre-calculus and calculus

Laboratory Science - 3-4 years
Classes include: biology, earth science, chemistry and physics

Social Studies - 3 years
Classes include: geography, US History, US Government, world history, world cultures and civics

Foreign Language - 2-4+ years of same language at different levels (for example: Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III, Spanish IV, etc.)

Visual & Performing Arts - 1-4 years
Classes include: art, music, theatre and/or dance

Challenging Electives - 1-4 years
Classes include: economics, psychology, computer science, statistics and communications


*Please note: Taking advanced placement courses and/or tech-prep courses in any of these subjects can help prepare for college.

In addition to good grades, most colleges look for well-rounded students who have:

  • demonstrated community service
  • held leadership positions such as Student Government or received academic awards
  • participated in extracurricular school/community activities
  • played on athletic teams
  • maintained a part-time job

Knowing what colleges look for ahead of time gives students the opportunity to begin planning early for college admission.