What high school classes do you need to take to get ready for college?

Answer 1

Below are opinions from WikiAnswers contributors.

• Well, first if you know the college you want to go to, go to their web page and look at their requirements. That will tell you what exact classes they want you to have. All colleges are different. The basic classes that colleges like to see are, chemistry, high algebra, trigonometry, a repeat class like Biology 1 and biology 2 (don't switch classes), and at least two years of a foreign language would be good, too. Don't forget to get some community service hours, and some after school clubs. They love that stuff.
• Take all the basics, math, science, English and history. Depending on your choice of major, you might even take a couple more classes than listed above, like some calculus classes. Get involved with the school as well, join a club or two. They really do love that stuff.
• There is usually a section on the application where you can check all the clubs you've joined and activities you've been in. They'll want to know if you lettered, were on the student council or if you did marching band. Even if you aren't on a varsity team, joining a sport helps. It shows your dedication and shows that you are more than just a brain. They do want smart people, but it is more impressive if you do more than just schoolwork.
• Most schools want to get as many diverse people into their schools. So the more you're good at (or not good at but do anyways), they better chance you'll have.
• And try to get at least a 3.0 for your GPA, if not higher. That'll help too!
• If you are looking to get into a competitive private school, such as an Ivy League or the next best thing, you should take the most rigorous curriculum your school offers. You may also want to enroll in post secondary options if you can. But don't take this at the risk of ruining your GPA. Some college classes can be difficult and a C or D in those classes will not look good regardless of the level of difficulty. Most importantly, don't slack off your senior year. Continue to take core classes (science, history, English, math) and continue in foreign language studies.

Answer 2

Since a good background in math is important for college, you need to have the basics of general math, geometry, calculus, algebra and possibly even physics. The guidance counselor at your school can help you determine which maths would be best for you, depending on your strengths and weaknesses in math, as well as what you plan as your major in college.

Answer 3

In general, take as many upper-level (college prep, advanced, etc.) courses that you can reasonably handle. Up to 50% of freshman in college have to take remedial courses because they did not learn what they needed to learn in high school. Taking a foreign language could be helpful, but isn't required. You will need to learn algebra, geometry, statistics, basic biology, basic physics, English (four years) and world history. Other than that, take courses that either support your intended major (more science courses if you want to major in biology, for instance) and take some art/culture classes (band, choir, drawing, computer design, etc.).

Most importantly: DON'T PANIC. Just because some people graduate high school with a straight A average, president of this, leader of that, hundreds of hours of volunteer work and took the most challenging courses available doesn't mean that that's the only person who will be accepted. Work hard, show that you are working hard and making progress and you'll be accepted and ready for college.

Answer 4

That's up to the college. You could write the admissions office of the college you want to attend and ask them, or you could ask your guidance counselor, who will probably know what most local colleges in your area require.

Answer 5

When it comes to college admissions, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. If there were, admissions committees could just pull names out of a hat to admit students! And obviously, they don't do that. So when it comes to choosing classes in high school, there is no list of particular classes that you should aim for.

What you SHOULD do is make sure that you are challenging yourself throughout high school. Don't fall into the "high GPA" trap and take easy classes that you KNOW you can ace just to boost your GPA. A high GPA in easy classes is not going to impress anyone.

Instead, as you make your way through school, make sure you're seeking out more difficult classes. Does your school offer AP courses? Honors courses? If so, try to take some of those. They are going to be harder for sure, and you may not get a perfect grade, but it is going to impress colleges that you TRIED.

Now, this doesn't mean that you should blindly take AP courses because you think it is going to help. AP courses aren't for everyone! But so long as you're not filling your schedule with easy breezy courses that you can coast through without even trying, you're on the right track.

At the same time, there is something to be said about mixing in some electives. These classes (art, theater, yearbook, newspaper, marketing, music, etc.) are incredibly important in helping you explore your interests, figure out what you love, and also teach you really valuable skills that you'll need in college and beyond. They will also give you a much-needed break from the tougher academic classes you're taking, and show colleges that you're interested in and passionate about things other than math, science, history, etc. So make sure you're mixing some of those in as well!

By the way, if your school offers independent study and you have something you're really interested in learning more about, go for it! This is a tremendous opportunity to show schools that you're mature, that you're motivated, and that you are a self-starter. (And, it goes without saying, the work you'll do here on your own is going to prepare you for college in a BIG way.)

Hope this helps!

Answer 6

In general, four years each of math, English, science and social studies. A foreign language would also be helpful.