As the first semester winds down and winter break approaches, many high school students are entering course registration season for the following academic year. And while choosing classes may seem routine, these decisions carry real weight in the college admissions process.
In my latest video, I walk through how students can select courses that set them up for success — both now and when it’s time to apply to college. Here are the key takeaways.
The Five Core Subjects Colleges Want to See
Regardless of your state’s graduation requirements, most colleges prefer students to take four years of the five core academic classes:
- English
- Math
- Science
- History
- World Language
Keeping all five each year creates the strongest and most competitive academic profile. If a student chooses to drop one — typically world language — it’s important to replace it with a meaningful, rigorous elective rather than something light or non-academic.
Find the Right Level of Challenge — Not the Most Impressive Schedule
One of the biggest misconceptions is that students should load up on as many advanced classes as possible. In reality, taking too much rigor can backfire if grades begin to slip.
The goal isn’t maximum difficulty — it’s appropriate challenge. Parents and students should focus on:
- Areas where the student is naturally strong
- Level of rigor they can handle while still maintaining high performance
- What’s available within their specific high school’s curriculum
Comparing yourself to peers is both unhelpful and inaccurate; every student’s strengths and college goals are different.
AP, IB, Honors & Dual Enrollment: What’s the Difference
High schools vary widely in what they offer, but here are general guidelines:
AP & IB
Both are highly respected by colleges. Sometimes, when a school offers both, students can mix and match based on interest and strength. Other times, they must pick a path. It is important to understand what the high school allows. Colleges typically view them with similar weight when recalculating GPAs.
Dual Enrollment
Dual enrollment can be especially useful for:
- Filling curriculum gaps
- Pursuing higher-level classes not offered at school
- Earning college credit in advance
Highly selective colleges tend to prefer AP/IB over dual enrollment, but dual enrollment is often a great fit for students applying to large public universities — especially in-state options.
Know Your School’s Rules
Some advanced courses require prerequisites or minimum grade benchmarks. Families should understand their school’s policies so students can plan their progression wisely.
The Bottom Line
Course selection is an individualized process rooted in your student’s strengths, goals, and capacity. A thoughtfully planned schedule — one that includes appropriate rigor without overwhelming them — leads to stronger applications and better preparation for college success.
If you’d like personalized guidance for your teen’s academic plan, we’d be happy to help. Visit this link to schedule a conversation.
Recent Comments