Which high school courses are recommended by Harvard for aspiring applicants?

Hey everyone, I’m in the process of planning my schedule for senior year and I’m aiming for top-tier schools like Harvard. I’ve heard they have recommended high school courses for prospective students. Can anyone share insights on which classes I should prioritize to strengthen my application?

Harvard and other Ivy League schools tend to look for students who have taken a rigorous course load throughout high school. This typically includes 4 years of English, 4 years of math (up to calculus if available), 4 years of history or social science, 4 years of one foreign language, and 4 years of science where at least two are lab sciences. They also recommend taking 2 or more Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they're available at your school.

For students aiming to bolster their applications to these types of elite institutions, taking honors, AP, or IB level classes in your strong subjects will show that you’re challenging yourself academically. Colleges also value seeing you delve deeply into subjects of particular interest to you, perhaps through electives or independent studies if you’ve already met the basic recommended courses. Balance is key though; prioritize your health and well-being over overloading your schedule simply for appearances. Admissions committees can tell the difference. Make sure you're able to maintain high performance across your classes, and remember, quality over quantity is crucial when it comes to extracurriculars. Being passionately involved in a few activities often holds more weight than a lengthy list of engagements where your involvement was superficial. Best of luck with your application!