Hey everyone! I'm a junior right now and I'm starting to look into the application process for four-year colleges. I'm a bit confused though, does anyone know what kind of high school courses are most commonly required by these colleges? I want to make sure my senior year schedule is well-prepared.
Hello! Usually, most four-year colleges have a standard list of high school courses they expect incoming freshmen to have completed. Here are some general guidelines though they may vary from institution to institution:
1. English: 4 years. Colleges typically expect all incoming students to have completed 4 years of English/Language Arts courses in high school. These courses should involve literature (American, British, World), and composition.
2. Mathematics: 3-4 years. For the most selective schools, 4 years of math, including coursework in Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and either Precalculus or Calculus is preferred.
3. Sciences: 2-4 years. High school students should have at least 2 years of science, though more selective colleges often require 3 or 4. These should include at least one lab science, like Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
4. Social Studies/History: 2-4 years. At minimum, colleges like to see U.S. History and World History completions. Classes like Economics, Government, Geography, Sociology or Psychology can also be advantageous.
5. Foreign Language: 2-3 years. Many colleges expect incoming students to have at least 2 years of a single foreign language in high school. More selective colleges may require 3 or more years.
6. Arts: 1 year. Some colleges expect or highly recommend one or more years of visual or performing arts.
7. Additional Advanced Courses: While not always required, colleges often look favorably on students who challenge themselves with honors level, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, especially in their areas of strength and interest.
Remember, the above is a general guideline and the exact expectation can vary largely based on the selectivity of the institution to which you're applying, the specific programs you're interested in, and the state requirements if you're applying to public institutions. I recommend checking with your guidance counselor and the colleges' websites for specific requirements.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.