What are the high school credits required for most 4-year colleges?

Hey guys, feeling a bit confused here - what are the typical credits that most 4-year colleges require from high school transcripts? Do all colleges have the same core subject requirements, or does it vary? Cheers for the help.

Most four-year colleges have a general list of high school course requirements that they expect applicants to have completed during their high school years. Recognize, however, that these requirements can vary by college, and some colleges may have additional specific requirements or recommendations, particularly if you're applying to certain programs or majors.

Here's a common set of high school course requirements:

1. English: 4 years - These courses often need to be in literature and composition.

2. Math: 3-4 years - Colleges usually require Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. The most competitive colleges often look for students who have taken Calculus.

3. Science: 3-4 years - This should ideally include laboratory sciences like Chemistry, Physics, and/or Biology.

4. Social Sciences/History: 3-4 years - This criteria is often met with US History, World History, and a government or civics course.

5. Foreign Language: 2-4 years - Most colleges like to see a sequence of foreign language study.

6. Arts: 1-3 years - The requirement here can vary widely. Some colleges like to see a sequence in an art, while others are fine with any arts exposure.

7. Electives: Some schools even have requirements around electives, like requiring students to have taken several AP, IB or honors level courses

As each university can have varying requirements or recommendations, especially for specialized programs. For instance, engineering programs might require more math and science coursework. It would be best for you to check the websites of the universities or programs you’re interested in to get tailored advice. Remember, meeting the minimum does not guarantee admittance, especially to more competitive schools, so challenging yourself beyond the basics can help make your application stand out.