Recommended High School Classes
What You Should Take in High School
Just as employers want workers who have certain skills, most colleges want students who have taken certain courses (and done well in them).
Here are some suggested classes. They're particularly for students headed to a four-year college, but even if you're interested in going to a junior or community college you should take most of them.
| Subject | Classes |
| English 8 credits (4 years) |
|
| Math 6 to 8 credits (3 to 4 years) |
|
| Science 6 credits (3 years) |
|
| Social Studies 6 credits (3 years) |
|
Other Key Courses
You may also need 8 additional credits from the above core or these electives:
- Foreign languages (2 - 3 years)
- Visual & performing arts (art, music, dance, or drama)
- Computers (computer applications or programming)
Other challenging courses could include economics, psychology, statistics, computer science, communications, research projects, and independent projects.
Looking Beyond the Basics
Some college admission offices may look for some additional classes on your transcript, an advanced math, for example. Many of these courses can be taken only after you have passed the basic courses.
Use the CollegeBoard's College Handbook to see what specific colleges are looking for.
