Tips for Selecting Courses

Your course schedule may seem like a random selection of classes to you, but college admissions officers see it as the blueprint of your high school education. They are looking for a solid foundation of learning that you can build on in college.

Take at least five solid academic classes every year! This will show a college admissions officer that you are capable of handling 'a full load of classes'.

English Language Arts- Traditional courses such as American and English literature help you improve your writing skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary. Also, look for opportunities to improve your writing and speech.

Math- You need algebra and geometry to suceed on college entrance exams, in college math courses and in most careers. Take them early on and you will be able to enroll in advanced science and math courses that will allow you to show colleges you are ready for higher-level work.

Science- Science teaches you to think analytically and apply theories to reality. Laboratory classes let you test what you have learned through hands-on work. A minimum of three years is required, but look for opportunities to enroll in a fourth year of science.

Social Sciences- Understanding local and world events that are happening now by studying the culture and history that has shaped them. Social sciences round out your curriculum. A minimum of three years is required, but look for opportunities to enroll in a fourth year of social science.

Foreign Languages- Solid foreign language study shows colleges that you are willing to stretch beyond the basics. Most colleges require at least two years of foreign language study, but many 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 patters, discern differences and simiraities and excercise your mind in unique ways, often outside of a traditional classroom setting.

Advanced Placement (AP)- Provide an opportunity to try out college-level work, master valuable skills, and with satisfactory grades, receive college credit.

Look Beyond the Basics- Challenge Yourself! Many coolege admissions officers are looking for some additional courses on your transcript such as advanced math, advanced science and challenging electives that can make you stand out.