Recommended Classes

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A Great Schedule Leads to College Success

Your child should take at least five solid academic classes every semester. The following subjects and classes are standard fare for success in college and beyond, whether your child attends a four-year, two-year, or technical school.

The Core Curriculum

English (Language Arts)

Students should take English every year. Traditional courses such as American and English literature will help improve your child's writing skills, reading comprehension, and vocabulary.

Literature
Writing / composition and/or speech

Math

Your child needs algebra and geometry to succeed on college entrance exams, in college math classes, and in most careers. Students should take them early on in order to enroll in advanced science and math in high school—and to show colleges that they're ready for higher-level work.

Algebra
Geometry
Algebra II
Trigonometry and/or Calculus

Science

Science teaches students to think analytically and apply theories to reality. Laboratory classes let students test what they have learned through hands-on work. Six semesters are recommended.

Two semesters in biology
Two semesters in chemistry and/or physics
Two semesters in earth/space sciences, advanced biology, advanced chemistry, or physics

Social Studies

Students can understand local and world events by studying the culture and history that has shaped them. Social sciences round out your child's core curriculum.

Two semesters in U.S. history
One semester of U.S. government
One semester in economics
One semester in world history or geography
One additional semester in the above, or other areas

Beyond the Basics

Foreign Languages

Solid foreign language study shows colleges your child is willing to stretch beyond the basics. Many colleges require two years of foreign language study, and some prefer more.

The Arts

Research shows that students who participate in the arts often do better in school and on standardized tests. The arts help students recognize patterns, discern differences and similarities, and exercise their minds in unique ways, oftentimes outside a traditional classroom setting.

Computer Science

More and more college courses and jobs require at least a basic knowledge of computers. Computer skills also can help students do research and schoolwork better and faster. Your child should take advantage of resources available at school to become familiar with computers and the Internet.

Advanced Placement Program® (AP®)

Your child can try out college-level work in a variety of subjects while mastering valuable skills, and, with satisfactory grades, can receive college credit. More than 1,400 colleges and universities award credit based on satisfactory AP Exam grades.

Independent Study

Many schools allow motivated students to pursue independent study of subjects that are not being taught at their school, often with a teacher as an advisor. Your child should talk to a counselor or teacher about requirements. Most schools have rigorous standards for independent study.

For More Help

Your child should meet with the high school counselor. Counselors are skilled in advising students on how they can achieve their college and career goals.

It's important that your child is challenged in school. Of course, keep in mind that students have different levels of knowledge and ability. Your child may need to take a basic class before moving on to higher-level work. If you have concerns about your child's class schedule and progress in school, set up a meeting with your child's counselor. Guidance counselors have many resources for you and your child to help in this process.