Right about this time every year, I talk with high school juniors about their course selection for senior year. College admission officers not only want to admit students with stellar grades – they want you to have a solid foundation of coursework that will prepare you for college.
As a general rule, high school students should take as many college-prep math, science, English, social studies, and foreign language courses as possible and challenge themselves with higher-level courses if available. If your school offers advanced honors, AP, IB, and/or dual enrollment courses, consider taking them whenever possible.
In this blog, I’ll help you break it down by subject.
English
You should plan to take English all four years of high school. Courses like American Literature and Language Arts will help you with your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills, which are essential in college classes.
If you are considering a highly selective college, AP Language and Composition during junior year and AP Literature and Composition or IB Literature and Performance during senior year is preferred.
Science
Competitive schools expect four years of lab science courses. You should at least take Biology, Earth or physical science, and Chemistry. For senior year, if you plan to major in a STEM-related field, physics/AP Physics, AP Chemistry, or AP Environmental Science is more beneficial.
If health science is more your thing, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and/or Anatomy and Physiology are recommended. If you are in an IB program, HL Biology, HL Chemistry, and/or HL Physics are recommended by selective schools. You can also consider dual enrollment science courses.
Math
Most colleges will want you to take at least three years of high school math, but the more competitive schools will want to see four years. You should take Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry at the bare minimum. Take these classes as early as possible to help you succeed on college admission tests (SAT and ACT).
It’s also a good idea to take these courses early to allow time for advanced math courses, like Precalculus (AP), Calculus (AP) Statistics (AP), or Computer Science (AP) during junior or senior year. If you are in an IB program, the IB Math HL course is taught over two years and includes algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and more. Math courses vary greatly by high school, so it is best to talk with your teacher, counselor, or college consultant about which math course is right for you.
History and Social Sciences
You will need a minimum of three years of social sciences, including World History and Geography, U.S. History, U.S. Government, and Economics. Additional electives that are great to consider are Psychology, Philosophy, and Sociology. The AP level is offered for many of these courses and more. If you are in an IB program, consider taking IB Economics and IB Global Politics.
Foreign Languages
Many colleges require at least two years of study in the same foreign language, but it’s best to take more – especially if you are considering a highly selective school. There are AP and IB (HL) courses offered in many languages and will vary by high school.
Fine/Performing Arts
Some schools require one or two semesters in the arts, including studio art, music, and drama. There are several AP Art courses offered and encouraged if you plan to major in Art.
Electives
When choosing your senior year elective classes, focus on courses that align with your potential major and demonstrate your interests. If possible, challenge yourself with advanced-level electives. Taking these courses can demonstrate your preparedness for college. Exploring electives in different subject areas will showcase your diverse interests and learning abilities.
We’re here to help with high school course selection
Having excellent grades and a high GPA are only going to help you get into your dream school if you take the right courses and challenge yourself. If you would like individualized advice on choosing courses for your junior and senior year, contact Educational Connections to schedule a free call with one of our Educational Specialists. Our expert College Consultants, who all have experience working in admissions, would love to help you with your journey to college!