Essential high school classes for college preparation?

I'm trying to figure out which high school classes will best prepare me for college. I want to make sure I'm taking the right ones to help my college applications stand out. What classes should I prioritize?

When selecting high school classes, your goal should be to show colleges you are serious about your education and ready for the rigors of college coursework. Admission officers typically like to see evidence of academic rigor, and they expect students to take advantage of most or all of the difficult courses available to them.

Here's a general guideline for basic high school classes to take:

1. English: English Language, English Literature, AP/IB English. Four years of English classes are pretty much universally required because it helps develop critical reading and writing skills.

2. Math: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics. Most colleges require three or more years of math. More selective colleges prefer to see four years of math with a progression to courses like Calculus or Statistics.

3. Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics. Three years of science, including one of each, are the standard. Some colleges might require four years.

4. Social Studies: U.S. and World History, Government, Economics. Like science, three years is usually the minimum requirement, but selective schools may expect four.

5. Foreign Language: There's a growing expectation to see at least two years of the same foreign language. Many colleges recommend or require studying a single foreign language for three or more years.

6. Electives and AP/IB Courses: These help to demonstrate your individual interests and expertise. Elective courses can show a focus in particular areas like the arts, computer science, etc. AP or IB courses can show you're seizing opportunities to challenge yourself, which also gives you a flavor of college-level academics.

Remember, each student's pathway is unique, and these recommendations might differ depending upon the specific college and major you're aiming for. For instance, STEM-focused schools might prefer to see more math and science coursework. Always research your prospective colleges’ requirements to make sure you're on track!