Getting the Most out of High School

College prep really begins in the middle school years!

Preparation starts in middle schools.

One of the best things you can do to increase your college choices is to take algebra 1 in the eighth grade and geometry in the ninth grade. Algebra and geometry provide an excellent foundation for the math courses you should take in high school.

Middle school students should plan to take English, science, history, and geography every year, as these classes provide a core of knowledge necessary to succeed in advanced high school courses.

Most colleges expect students to have completed courses in the arts, a foreign language, and to be proficient in computer skills. Middle school students should take advantage of opportunities to study these subjects.

What to take in high school.

The American Council on Education (ACE) spells out the following recommendations on the subjects and types of courses high school students need to take, beginning in the ninth grade and continuing right through the senior year:

Courses Students Should Take in High School to Prepare for College

Subject Minimum Years Types of Classes
English Four years - every year beginning In the Ninth Grade
  • Composition
  • American Literature
  • English Literature
  • World Literature
Mathematics Three to four years - beginning in the Ninth Grade
  • Algebra I(if not completed in 8th grade)
  • Geometry
  • Algebra II
  • Trigonometry
  • Pre-calculus
  • Calculus
History and Geography Two to three years
  • Geography
  • U.S. History
  • U.S. Government
  • World History
  • World Cultures
  • Civics
Laboratory Science Two to three years
  • Biology
  • Earth Science
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
Foreign Language Two to three years
  • French
  • Spanish
  • German
  • Latin
  • Russian
  • Japanese
Visual and Performing Arts One or more years
  • Art
  • Drama
  • Dance
  • Music
Electives One to three years
  • Economics
  • Psychology
  • Statistics
  • Computer Science
  • Communications

Advanced placement classes can make a difference.

The College Board also recommends students participate in advanced placement classes, which will give you the opportunity to study coursework that is closer to the college level. Many colleges and universities award college credit for good grades in advanced placement high school classes.

Independent study classes are often rigorously structured as well, and offer students the chance to explore subjects of interest that may not be offered through the standard curriculum at their high school. Students who pursue advanced placement or independent study are usually regarded as highly motivated by college admissions officers.

Academic coaches can help you plan.

Kauffman Scholars will have the added benefit of guidance from their Academic Coaches to help them select the specific courses they need to take each year, to broaden their options for college access.