Students need basic academic courses for college admission.
Basic requirements vary from college to college, although admissions officers look for some basic courses in your transcript with a minimum grade point average (GPA) or at least a C. Some may require standardized test scores such as the SAT or the ACT. To set out on the right path for college entry, start by planning your course of study early on in high school. Secure the assistance of a high school guidance counselor or an experienced counselor that you hire privately. If you discover that the college of your choice has a course requirement that you did not fulfill, don’t panic. Usually, there is room in your schedule in the senior year for an additional course. If not, there’s always summer session.
English
For admission to college and in order to graduate from high school, you must take a course in English or the language arts every year. The language arts encompass listening, speaking, reading and writing in English. In recent years, media and computer literacy have been included. High school English courses are typically in the area of American and English literature, writing or composition and speech.
Math
The basic mathematics requirement for college admission is typically algebra and geometry. Many high schools require these courses for a diploma. Depending on the college and the department for which you are applying, you may be required to take additional math classes like Algebra ll, trigonometry, calculus, and/or statistics. If you think you may be applying to a department that requires more than basic math, take the courses early in your high school career to leave room for the more advanced classes.
Social Studies
Two semesters of United States history and one semester of government, economics, world history or world geography is considered the basic social studies requirement for college admission. In addition, colleges look for an additional semester in one of these areas, or in another social studies area.
Science
Most high schools require two semesters each of biology, chemistry or physics, and earth science or space science. A strong background in science presents you to the college admissions officer as a student who thinks analytically and can apply theory to reality.
Foreign Language
Colleges usually require at least two years of a foreign language, although some colleges require more. As an elective, you may take a third year of the language or you may decide to take a basic class in another foreign language. For example, you may have completed two years of French and you may decide to take first year Spanish. In this case, since they are both Romance languages, you should have a strong basis for learning beginning Spanish.
Beyond the Basics
Once you have fulfilled your high school graduation requirements and the basic courses for college entry, elective classes can help make you a more competitive candidate. Senior year is a good time to experiment with the arts, or learn computer applications. This is also a good time to take another course in English that interests you, such as film studies. Taking elective classes in math demonstrates to the college admissions officer that you are preparing to take college-level advanced math. In today’s global world, you can strengthen your transcript by taking additional social studies courses to provide a basis for comprehending events on the world stage. Seniors can take science courses in additional subjects, or take an advanced course such as advanced biology or chemistry.
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