How essential are core classes in high school for college admissions?

I know colleges want to see you challenge yourself, but just how many core classes like math, science, English, and social studies are required in high school to not only graduate but to also be competitive in college admissions?

Absolutely, the core classes are quite essential when preparing for college admissions. Colleges look for students who have a strong foundation in these main academic areas. Typically, to graduate high school, you'd need to complete 3 to 4 years of each core subject. However, highly competitive colleges prefer to see 4 years of each, with an emphasis on taking advanced or AP courses when available. For instance, if you're aiming for an engineering program, excelling in math and science classes will be particularly important, whereas for a humanities program, a strong background in English and social studies might be more relevant.

Remember, it's not just about meeting the bare minimum to graduate; it's about building a robust academic profile that shows college admissions committees that you're prepared for the rigors of college academics and have pushed yourself to explore the depths of these subjects.