Choosing Impressive Course Schedule for Next Year

A key criterion evaluated by college admission officers is the competitiveness of an applicant’s high school transcript. Colleges want to see students stretching to take more rigorous classes over the course of their high school years, typically advancing from the “college prep” level to honors and ultimately to AP (Advanced Placement).

When choosing the particular subject areas in which to take more competitive courses, students should certainly take into account their talents and interests. Students who plan to major in a science-related field in college should strive to take AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or both while in high school.  It will ultimately boost their college applications and will impart knowledge that will later be helpful in their college studies.

Students planning to major in engineering in college often need to get through calculus in high school in order to have a chance of being accepted to many top tier schools.  Often, this means doubling up in math during one of their high school years.

Students with a passion for business should plan to take Micro and Macro Economics while in high school, as its one of the most popular majors at many elite colleges and universities.  Choosing economics as a college major can also serve as a “back door” into universities with extremely competitive business schools, as economics is generally a part of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Students should also choose their electives carefully, as these courses provide valuable opportunities to explore fields of interest.  Those considering a college major in psychology, for example, should first explore this field in high school.  Likewise, students planning on a career as a physical therapist, physician’s assistant, or physical education/health teacher should aim to study Anatomy and Physiology.

There are certain courses that are mandatory in New Jersey in order to get a high school diploma, one of them being Financial Literacy.  It’s wise for students to take this course very seriously, as learning to understand and manage money effectively is a life skill that will greatly impact their lives.  Another such course is Physical Education/Health which is mandatory –- for good reasons –- each year of high school.  I once observed, on a student’s transcript, that she had taken Physical Education online – quite the oxymoron! 

When evaluating a student’s college application, admissions officers consider whether the student made the most of his/her high school years and whether the choice of courses logically supports the student’s future goals.

Susan Alaimo is the founder of SAT Smart. For the past 25 years, SAT Smart’s Ivy League educated tutors have prepared students for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, Subject Tests, AP courses, and all high school subjects. Visit www.SATsmart.com or call 908-369-5362.