High School Subjects - Which ones weigh heavy in college admissions?

Hey there, junior here! So, with a gazillion subjects in high school, it's getting tough for me to know which ones are the most important for college admissions. Like, is it the hard sciences or humanities or something else like language courses? Need your insight on the subject, folks!

Hello!

When it comes to considering high school subjects for college admissions, one piece of advice is rather universal: success in challenging coursework. Colleges will be looking at the rigor of your curriculum and your performance within it as an indicator of your preparedness for college work.

Now, let’s break down how different types of colleges might view different categories of classes:

1. Selective Institutions: At more selective schools, the admissions offices usually like to see a strong foundation across all core subjects: English, Mathematics, Social Sciences, and Sciences. Pursuing a foreign language is also considered a strong plus, especially 3-4 years in the same language.

2. STEM-focused Institutions and Programs: For STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) focused schools or programs, it is crucial to have a strong performance in STEM-related subjects in high school. Advanced classes in mathematics and sciences, such as AP Calculus, AP Physics, or AP Computer Science, would weigh heavily.

3. Liberal Arts Colleges or Humanities Programs: For liberal arts colleges or humanities-focused programs, a robust presence of humanities courses like AP Literature, AP Language, AP History, or AP Art History would be beneficial.

4. Specialized programs: If you are interested in very specific programs, such as business, journalism, or performing arts programs, excelling in related courses (like business courses or art classes, etc.) can show your passion and dedication towards your chosen field.

Remember, though, that it’s essential to balance rigor and performance. A demanding course load is impressive, but not if it leads to a significant dip in your grades. It's better to do extremely well in a slightly less rigorous course than to do poorly in an extremely hard one.

And lastly, while it's important to meet the colleges' expectations in terms of subjects studied, it's equally important to pursue classes that genuinely interest you personally. This authenticity could shine in your application and make your overall educational experience more enjoyable. Good luck!