Which High School Classes Do Colleges Look for?
Choosing the right classes in high school is one of the most important steps in getting ready for college. The courses that high school students take will not only affect a GPA, but they also help show colleges that a person is ready for college level work.
Many colleges will carefully check a transcript to see if students have taken any advanced courses and if they score high in their classes and on tests. It’s important to have strong grades when you’re planning to apply to college. If you’re not sure which courses you should take during your educational journey, it’s a good idea to meet with an expert college counselor to go over academic and career goals, and to start a plan of action towards higher education and college life.
College admissions officers consider applicants' interests and are looking for well-rounded individuals who will contribute to their campus community.
Understanding College Admission Requirements
Before you choose the classes you take in high school, it’s important that you take time to think about what colleges are looking for. Different institutions, including the Ivy League schools, liberal arts colleges, and even state universities will all have different things that they need from a student. All colleges will expect you to have your core classes like math, science, English, social studies, and a foreign language.
There are many colleges that want applicants to show that they work hard to go above and beyond getting the prerequisites. Taking AP courses, honors classes, or an International Baccalaureate curriculum can help boost your chances.
College admissions officers review the classes applicants have taken to assess their academic preparedness. Reviewing the admission requirements for your target schools and consulting with a college counselor will ensure you’re making the best course selections.
Prioritizing Challenging Courses to Show Colleges Rigor
College admissions teams want students who show that they challenge themselves academically. When you have a transcript that shows you have a strong work ethic and are prepared for college coursework, it helps show that you’re determined to do right in college. If you take honors classes, AP courses, or IB classes signals that you’re willing to take on advanced coursework, which is something admissions officers value.
While easy A’s may be great for boosting your GPA, colleges are looking for students who push themselves. Take AP classes, rigorous courses, or dual enrollment options to show colleges your academic commitment. Many colleges consider applicants with a strong history of challenging work to be better prepared for the demands of college coursework.
Balancing Strengths and Weaknesses in High School Classes
Finding the right balance between challenging yourself and maintaining strong grades is key. Should you take a more difficult course in a subject where you struggle, or should you focus on strengthening your strengths? Admissions officers evaluate both rigor and GPA when reviewing applications, so it’s important to be strategic.
If you do well in math, you may want to think about taking calculus or other advanced math courses. If you find science challenging, you might still want to take honors classes in the subject but balance it with an easier elective. Working with a college counselor can help you navigate these decisions and ensure your transcript reflects both challenge and success.
Taking High School Classes That Match Your Interests and Future Major
Colleges are looking for students who align their high school education with their future academic and career goals. If you’re planning to major in engineering, taking AP calculus and science courses will strengthen your application. Humanities-focused students should prioritize advanced English and social studies courses.
You know that your core courses are important, but elective courses can also strengthen your college application. Courses like business, computer science, music, or journalism help show what your interests are. Many colleges want to see well-rounded students, so taking a good variety of classes that show your academic and personal passions can make a big difference.
Electives and Extracurriculars: More Than Just a Side Interest
Electives and extracurricular activities are a great way to help you stand out on your college applications. If you take elective courses in things like public speaking, journalism, or coding it can show a college that you have unique skills. Extracurricular clubs like debate, robotics, or student government provide leadership opportunities. These will all work to demonstrate your ability to manage commitments and extracurriculars effectively.
Colleges like to see students who are involved outside the classroom. Whether it’s music, sports, or volunteering, these activities also show colleges your ability to balance academics with other responsibilities. Leadership positions in clubs and organizations can further strengthen your application.
The Role of a College Counselor in Course Selection
It can feel a little overwhelming to have to choose the right classes, but a college counselor can help. High school counselors provide guidance on fulfilling graduation requirements, but a dedicated college counselor can assist with crafting a course schedule that aligns with college admission expectations.
It's very important to take time to plan your courses from freshman through senior year very strategically. A counselor can help ensure you’re meeting the prerequisites for competitive colleges while also balancing your workload. Consulting with a professional early on can make a significant difference in your college application season.
Maintaining a Strong GPA and Academic Record
You may be able to get into a small, community college with average grades. If you want to go to a state university or an Ivy League school, it's going to be important for you to have a strong GPA for admissions. College admissions teams are going to look at your weighted as well as your unweighted GPAs to see how well you performed in your courses. Taking advanced courses is important, but making sure that you maintain good grades is equally important.
If your GPA isn’t where you want it to be, there are ways for you to improve it. You may want to consider working with a tutor, attending study groups, or meeting with teachers who can help you gain a better understanding of your classes. Colleges want to see consistency and effort in your academic performance. When you put in the work to improve grades in the courses you take it can have a big impact on your college admissions applications.
The Importance of Junior and Senior Year Courses
Your junior and senior year grades are two years that are very important to colleges. Junior year grades can be a deciding factor in college admissions. Spring grades could influence scholarship opportunities. Senior year courses should continue to demonstrate academic rigor rather than a decline in effort. Challenging yourself academically during these final years of high school can be a great way to excel and find schools that both match your academic as well as career goals.
Many colleges will be on the lookout for students who maintain a challenging course load throughout high school. This means that it's a good idea to take AP exams, dual enrollment courses, or advanced classes even in your final year of high school. Colleges are looking for students like this who stay focused on their classes and grades until they graduate. As you can see, academics are important and choosing classes that are rigorous for your course of study can be a big factor in which colleges will notice your application.
Choosing the Right Courses to Show Colleges Your Readiness
Colleges are looking for students who take coursework that prepares them for the demands of college classes. Advanced classes, AP courses, and honors classes help demonstrate your readiness for college-level work. Admissions officers look at transcripts to assess an applicant’s preparedness, so making strategic course selections is essential.
A well-rounded transcript with a mix of core subjects, challenging academic courses, and electives can set you apart. If you’re concerned you might not be taking the right high school classes colleges look for, consulting with a counselor can help ensure you’re making the best choices. A counselor can even help you prepare for tests and make sure you're on the right path for success when it comes to academics.
What High School Classes Do Colleges Look For?
Still wondering which classes will look best when you start your path to college? We've got tips to help you choose the right classes to take and really be able to boost your college application to get noticed.
Colleges want to see a strong core course foundation in math, science, English, social studies, and a foreign language.
Taking AP courses, honors classes, or IB programs can strengthen your application by showing academic rigor.
Electives and extracurricular activities also show colleges your interests and leadership skills.
Working with a college counselor can help you plan a course schedule that aligns with college admissions expectations.
Maintaining a strong GPA, especially in junior and senior year, is key to a competitive application.
A well-rounded transcript that includes challenging coursework and subjects related to your future major can boost your chances of admission.
Ready to make the right course selections for college admissions? Choose your high school classes wisely and set yourself up for success. You can contact our team today to get expert college counseling services and expert AP tutors that will help you craft the perfect transcript and get ready for your dream school!
