When signing up for high school classes, what do admissions officials look for? How do they “rate” classes for admission? We get that question often, and we are going to address choosing high school classes in depth in this blog post. 

We will discuss exactly what admission officials look for, the level of academic rigor you should shoot for, and an actual list of potential high school classes to put on your list. 

We work with clients who want to know the true path through high school classes, and the truth is that there are no cut-and-dried answers, but there are solid directions, which we will outline here. By the time you are done reading, you will have a clear idea of which high school classes you should take! 

What Do Admissions Officials Look for on Your Transcript?

The transcript is the first line of review for colleges and one of the most important items in the admissions review process. Larger public schools often take a very academically oriented approach to the transcript. But what exactly do college admissions officers look for?

According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), colleges generally require:

• English: Four full years
• Math: Four full years
• Science: Three to four full years
• Social studies: Two full years
• Foreign language: Two to four full years
• Arts: Some colleges require a year 

But of course, the story is much more complicated than this, what with all the honors and AP classes available. Let’s dive into more information.

Steps to Choose the Right Classes for High School

Consider the following steps to choose the right classes for high school, including stepping up the academic rigor, connecting to your potential major, and talking to teachers and school counselors to satisfy prerequisites.

Step Up on Academic Rigor

The most rigorous class schedule will catch admissions officers’ eye — but how much rigor, and what is the best way to choose?

What have you currently scheduled for high school? If you’ve taken two AP classes sophomore year, can you take three Advanced Placement (AP) classes junior year? 

For example, if you have satisfied the requirements for two years of English and two years of math by your sophomore year (and have taken those in AP classes), can you take an additional year of AP classes in English, one in social studies, and one in math for your junior year? For example, you might consider taking:

• English Literature and Composition (English AP course)
• Human Geography (social studies AP course)
• Computer Science A (math AP course)

It is important to be thoughtful about how you step up your academic rigor — you do not want to overwhelm yourself with studying, extracurriculars, and time with family and friends. The worst thing you can do would be to take three AP classes junior year and feel overwhelmed by it all.

Also, be mindful of continuing your academic rigor throughout senior year. If you are looking at modestly selective schools, you might get away with taking less selective classes senior year, but if you are trying to get into a highly selective school, you will need to continue the rigor throughout senior year.

Connect to Your Potential Major

Undoubtedly, you will want to take the classes that prepare you for your major. For example, if you have the opportunity to take AP classes in physics or math, that might be ideal if you want to be an engineer. Similarly, you would take Chinese Language and Culture if you want to major in Chinese. 

If you are undecided on your major or potential career, you may be unsure about taking AP classes, but if something interests you, go for it! You never know how an AP course might help you decide on your major.

Learn more about entering the workforce. We also offer career counseling assessments if you are undecided on your major.

Talk to Teachers and School Counselors to Satisfy Prerequisites

Lean on your teachers and school counselors to ensure you satisfy your high school’s prerequisites. In addition to colleges having recommended classes you should take, your high school will also have a required list of classes for you to tackle. Ensure you are taking exactly what you should take each year to graduate on time.

Ready to do all the right things when it comes to college choices? Learn more here.

Sign Up for the Following High School Classes

We have already listed the basics and number of years you should take English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language, but look at your high school profile and college/high school course offerings to make a final decision. 

English (Language Arts)

There is no question: To be fully prepared for college, you need to take four years of English or language arts to develop your reading and writing skills, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. English skills can also help prepare you for college classes. The following classes can prepare you well:

• Composition
• American literature
• British literature
• Contemporary literature
• Debate
• Modern literature
• Poetry
• Popular literature
• Rhetoric
• Shakespeare
• Technical writing
• Journalism
• African literature
• Eastern European literature
• Latin American literature
• Mid East and South Asia literature
• Creative writing

Math

Math often requires you to take a straightforward combination of classes, meaning that in order to take the second algebra class, you have to take the first available algebra class. Consider taking the following:

• Advanced Math Topics
• Algebra I
• Algebra II
• Honors Algebra II
• Calculus
• Geometry
• Honors Geometry
• Honors Multivariable Calculus
• Honors Precalculus
• Honors Accelerated Precalculus and Differential Calculus
• Precalculus
• Probability and Game Theory
• Statistical Methods

Unfortunately, though an extremely valuable course, many colleges and universities will consider courses like “Math for Everyday Living” a “softer” option — stick to the subjects like the courses listed above.

Science

Similar to math, science often contains a progression of courses you can take. For example, in most cases, you will have to take chemistry before you can take organic chemistry. The following science courses can offer you a solid foundation in science:

• Bioethics
• Biology
• Honors biology
• Honors advanced biology
• Chemistry
• Honors chemistry
• Organic chemistry I
• Cosmology
• Human anatomy and physiology I
• Human anatomy and physiology II
• Forensic science I
• Forensic science II
• Marine and aquatic biology
• Medicinal chemistry I
• Medicinal chemistry II
• Physics
• Honors physics
• Astronomy

Note that your school may not offer the science courses listed above. That is okay — take the classes that most closely match the tenets of science: biology, chemistry, and physics.

Social Studies or History 

Social studies and history offers a great opportunity to write, speak, and read — all great skills to develop before college. NACAC suggests two years of social studies or history, but in our experience, the more you can take, the better! Here are some courses that may or may not be available to you as a high school student:

• American politics
• Comparative and global politics
• Economics
• European history
• Intro to philosophy
• Psychology
• Geography
• World religion
• Middle East
• Modern China
• U.S. history

Foreign Language

Most colleges and universities want to see at least two years of foreign language, but more competitive institutions may want to see three or four. Foreign language at your high school might include the following options:

• American Sign Language
• Ancient Greek
• Arabic
• Chinese
• French
• German
• Hebrew
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Latin
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish

The Arts

Some colleges require arts classes, and we have seen great value 

• Choir
• Computer graphic design
• Digital visual arts
• Drawing
• Fashion design
• Filmmaking
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpture
• Concert band
• Dance
• Drama
• Guitar
• Jazz band
• Marching band
• Music theory
• Orchestra
• Percussion
• Piano
• Theater technology
• World music
• Visual arts
• Printmaking

Advanced College Courses

Should you take AP classes? We highly encourage it, and here is the full list of AP classes available, regardless of whether or not they culminate in an AP exam.

AP Capstone Diploma Program

• Research
• Seminar

AP Arts

• Art and Design: Drawing 
• Art and Design: 2-D
• Art and Design: 3-D
• Art History
• Music Theory

AP English

• English Language and Composition
• English Literature and Composition

AP History and Social Sciences

• Government and Politics (Comparative)
• European History
• Human Geography
• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics
• Psychology
• Government and Politics (U.S.)
• U.S. History
• World History: Modern
• African American Studies 

AP Math and Computer Science

• Calculus AB
• Calculus BC
• Computer Science A
• Computer Science Principles
• Precalculus
• Statistics 

AP Sciences

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Physics 1: Algebra-Based
• Physics 2: Algebra-Based
• Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
• Physics C: Mechanics

AP World Languages and Cultures

• Chinese Language and Culture
• French Language and Culture
• German Language and Culture
• Italian Language and Culture
• Japanese Language and Culture
• Latin
• Spanish Language and Culture
• Spanish Literature and Culture

Common Pitfalls When Signing Up for High School Classes

Now, what should you avoid when signing up for high school classes? Here are are some of the most important things to remember:

• Not being strategic: It is easy to add classes here and there, thinking everything will work out in the end. However, it is most important to communicate to your school counselor that you are college bound and will need to take the full roster of college prep classes that your high school offers. You cannot take everything, but you will need to have an idea going into your four years of high school of what you will generally need to take. Make an outline, then fill in the rest of the skeleton as you sign up for classes. Ultimately, you need a plan.

• Not consulting the school counselor more than once: Most high schoolers have the idea that once they have met with their school counselor once during the year, they are good to go! However, it is always a good idea to take advantage of multiple meetings so that everyone’s on the same page. If parents can meet with them as well, that is a great idea.

• Overwhelming yourself with honors and AP courses: Many students get it into their heads that they have to take the hardest classes they possibly can in high school. While an admirable goal, it is not always the most beneficial in the long run. Like everything else, you want it to be balanced in terms of academics, extracurriculars, and fun.

• Taking what your friends are taking: Do not take classes just because your friends are taking them. Your friends may be interested in a major completely different from your own, so why would you follow them if they want to major in history and you are into physics? Ensure you’re taking the right classes for you.

• Not knowing your school’s policies: Know your school’s policy. What is their policy for signing up for school classes? Do they allow you to change school classes easily? Can you take AP Physics and easily switch to Honors Physics? Some make it much more difficult to switch, so understand how easily you can change out classes you either want to add or subtract. 

Be Strategic When Signing up for High School Classes

You want to make great decisions regarding high school courses. There is nothing worse than realizing at the last minute that you should have taken a particular course — and it is too late.

Still need some direction? A sounding board is always a great thing, so contact Campus to Career Crossroads for more information and help regarding signing up for college classes and the college decision. We will point you in the right direction based on your potential major, academic goals, and college you are considering.

FAQs

Take a look at any lingering frequently asked questions to ensure you get all your questions answered!

What are the best classes to take in high school?

There is no “best list of classes” to take in high school, but when in doubt, stick to the original subjects within a subject. In other words, in the sciences, take biology, chemistry, and physics. In math, take geometry, calculus, and algebra. 

Should high school students choose their classes?

Yes, you should actively take a role in choosing your high school classes. It will help you take a real interest in your courses and may possibly even help you do better in them overall! Be an active participant and not just a casual observer — and feel free to push back if you really, really do not want to take four AP classes in one year because you are afraid your mental or physical health cannot sustain it. You want to be protective of you as well!

How to decide what classes to take?

Check with your high school counselor for more information about what you can take in high school, and contact Campus to Career Crossroads for more information about the college admissions process and which high school classes are appropriate. We have many recommendations and resources that can help you choose the correct classes relative to the college or university you are considering!