The journey to college begins with a single step… or maybe at least a single decision. Students who take college prep courses are generally more prepared for the responsibilities of higher education, and they are typically more likely to get into the colleges of their choice compared to students who never took such classes.
That said, it can be confusing to navigate all the different high school course options. For example, students can often choose between standard courses, college prep courses, honors and AP or IB courses. How exactly can you know which classes to take?
Don’t worry—we got you covered! Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about college prep courses.
What are college prep courses?
While things can vary some from high school to high school, typically students are required to take:
4 years of English
3 years of science
3 years of math
3 years of social studies
2-4 years of world language
But keep in mind that selective, especially highly selective, colleges expect you to go above the minimum, and generally want to see:
4 years of English
4 years of math
4 years of science
4 years of social studies
4 years of world language
(For more guidance on what colleges look for in students when it comes to classes, head here.)
Now, before you ask, “...do I have to?”
Well, no. You don’t HAVE to.
…but that second set of bullet point classes is the most surefire way to ensure that your application gets its “foot in the door” at the vast majority of U.S. colleges and universities— particularly at more selective colleges.
At highly selective colleges, 75%+ of the applicants are typically deemed “academically admissible” based on courses and grades alone.
…but the acceptance rates at highly selective schools are closer to 7.5%, or lower. Not 75%. So if you’re aiming for highly selectives, “foot in the door” very much means only that.
Given this, one of the most proactive things you can do to have the widest range of college options possible is striving to take all five of these core solid academic courses—sometimes referred to as “college prep courses”—all four years of high school.
Want more proof?
Here are the recommended courses for the 11 most selective colleges in the U.S. (sourced from their own websites):
| Recommended Courses (# of Years) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | Math | Science | Social Studies/ History | World Languages | |
| Harvard | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Yale | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Princeton | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Brown | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Dartmouth | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Columbia | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Penn | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Cornell | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| UChicago | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| MIT | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Stanford | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Percentage that Recommend 4 Years | 100% | 90% | 72% | 33% | 63% |
(Really important side note: Because of their incredibly low acceptance rates, “recommended” in the table above can probably be read as “required,” assuming you have these options at your high school. If you’re applying to these colleges, you’ll want to take the most challenging curriculum offered at your school.)
Even history and social studies— which is the most “split recommendation” among these colleges—is one we’d still recommend you take all four years. Why? Because this is just a sampling of the 2,500+ 4-year colleges in the U.S.! There are many, many other selective (and even non-selective) colleges that recommend four years of history.
So we’d hate for you to miss out on potentially exciting college options before you even fully know where you want to apply!
Now, before you start off your rebuttals with “but at my school…”, here a few very important disclaimers before reading this guide:
Your ability to take certain courses is completely dependent on your own high school, its offerings, and its policies and procedures. It’s impossible for us to give universal advice around this topic beyond to generally try to make the most of your circumstances and what is available to you, and to show initiative, curiosity, and ambition, because you are all coming from different schools with different offerings, options for advanced coursework, graduation requirements, and more. Additionally, many high schools have policies around course prerequisites, track students into certain rigor levels, and have limits on the number of advanced courses each student can take. Therefore, it’s critical to communicate with your own high school officials—whether that’s your counselor, advisor, homeroom teacher, registrar, or another administrator—about your own unique course selection options and what path makes the most sense for your interests and abilities.
Colleges only assess your course choices based on what is offered at your individual high school. For instance, if you attend a high school that does not offer AP courses, no U.S. admissions officer would expect you to have those on your transcript. Students who attend high schools without these courses are not penalized in the college admissions process, as college admissions officers are very aware of disparities between wealthier and less-resourced school districts. Of course, if you choose to self-study certain course material or use MOOCs (massive open online courses) to take more advanced classes online, that can be an awesome (and convenient!) way to explore your curiosities. Just keep in mind that this is not necessarily expected of students (though it can elevate applicants, and demonstrate that you’re ready to handle a high level college workload), and should only be considered if you’re interested in those courses, have the capacity, and feel prepared to challenge yourself beyond what your high school offers.
When it comes to course choices, the only students you are being “compared to” are students (historically and currently) from your own high school. Many students (well, more often parents) worry that they will be seen more unfavorably by admissions officers than their friend or neighbor who goes to another school with a wider range of advanced classes—this simply does not happen, particularly at colleges that practice holistic admission.
Admissions officers are asking themselves two basic questions when they open up your transcript:
What was available to this student at their high school?
What, if anything, did this student “leave on the table”?
If you’re curious to get a better sense of how an admission officer might navigate these questions when evaluating your specific high school, talk to your school counselor and/or ask for a copy of your school profile. School counselors are responsible for telling colleges how challenging a student's coursework is on the Common App School Report (which is sent alongside your transcript and your school profile to colleges). Getting a better sense of the “most demanding” courseload at your high school can help you make strategic choices accordingly, depending on your college goals.
(Pro tip: ask your school guidance/college counselor “What is considered ‘the most rigorous curriculum’ at our school?” so that you can hear directly from them.)
In sum—worrying or stressing about what other students at other schools have access to is not worth your time, since it really has no bearing on your admissions process, and will only serve as a distraction from you taking control of your education and your future plans. Be mindful of the level of achievement that’s out there, but don’t let comparison culture suck you in!
Biggest course selection FAQs
Should my high school course choices be different if I’m interested in highly selective colleges and universities?
Most likely, yes. We just covered some of this above, but it’s important enough to reiterate:
As you can see from the chart in the “Getting started” section, most of the 11 most selective colleges recommend 4 full years of the core solid academic courses (English, math, social studies, science, and language), which usually surpasses an individual high school’s graduation requirements.
Highly selective colleges are often asking themselves:
What was available to the student?
What did they “leave on the table” (translation: what advanced courses did they opt out of)?
Keep these two questions in mind as you map out your four-year high school plan.
It’s also a good idea to ask for a copy of your school profile early on and meet with your school counselor so you have a better understanding of how your school is being represented to colleges.
Before even diving into your high school transcript, an admissions officer will view your school profile to see what advanced courses are offered, if any. So, say you decided to opt out of AP English Literature as a senior because it’s not your favorite subject and you wanted to take a STEM AP elective instead. Just know that, most likely, that decision may make it more difficult for you to be admitted to the most highly selective schools out there (even if you’re not planning on majoring in the humanities).
Is it better to get an A in a regular class or a B in an honors/AP/IB class?
The snarky admissions officer reply? “Get the A in the honors/AP/IB class.”
Jokes aside, As and Bs are seen as a strong demonstration of your engagement and retention of course material at most colleges. The more selective a school becomes, though, the more common it is for the majority of their applicant pool to have both As on their transcript and the most demanding courseload their school offers.
Our advice?
If you think you can maintain a B or better in an honors/AP/IB class, that’s generally a good sign that you’re capable of tackling the material and level of challenge. Cs and below are generally where many colleges will start to raise their eyebrows and feel less confident about your academic preparedness—so as long as you (and your school-based advisor or counselor) think this is an unlikely outcome for you, we’d recommend taking the more challenging course.
Multiple studies show that embracing more challenging courses—even in just one area where you feel most confident or interested—helps you develop valuable life skills like intellectual curiosity and feel more engaged with your learning process. So not only are these courses attractive to colleges, but they can often improve your quality of life more long-term (when, of course, pursued in a balanced manner). So if you miss that A by a smidge, don’t panic. Your life and future aspirations are not over. Far from it. You’ve set yourself up for success and helped build up valuable qualitative skills like diligence and resilience—that the vast majority of colleges will value and appreciate.
For more information on how to balance your desire for challenging coursework with your sense of well-being and belonging in school, we recommend exploring Challenge Success’ resource page.
What’s more important: a high GPA or challenging courses?
Again, *spicy* counselors or admissions reps might say “both”—but from our experience, we’ve found that students and families tend to oversimplify their academic background and can get a little tunnel-visioned around maintaining a high GPA (and sometimes opt out of valuable courses out of fear that it will hurt your overall average).
Remember that admissions officers don’t evaluate your GPA in a vacuum as in, it’s never just taken at face value without your transcript, grading scale, and context in mind. If you opted out of every advanced course your high school offers out of fear for your GPA, admissions officers will sense that pretty immediately and be disappointed that you didn’t embrace your intellectual potential and investment to the fullest.
They aren’t simply looking at GPA, whether weighted or unweighted, at face value. They’re trying to understand and interpret your academic achievement.
(If you need a primer on weight, unweighted, and cumulative GPA, head here.)
If you think you can maintain a B or better in the advanced course/s—and your school allows you to take them based on their individual policies—we’d recommend aiming for at least one per academic year (and more if you can handle them/are up for it)!
What about elective courses? Do they matter/do colleges care about them?
Elective courses are generally not as important to colleges unless they’re tied to your intended major (so, for instance, if you’re applying to a portfolio or audition-based art program, or you take a Personal Finance elective and you’re intending on majoring in business or economics). Many colleges even recalculate GPAs from all incoming applicants and “filter out” non-solid academic courses (so courses like health, physical education, art, or religion courses if you attended a faith-based school).
Does this mean that you should just stand in protest during gym class and “earn” a D? (D for “didn’t move?”).
No, not quite!
It’s still not a great look to have low grades in your elective courses, even if they’re less of a focus of the admissions officer’s evaluation of your transcript. It communicates that you gave up or didn’t give the proper time or attention to the course that it deserved, which doesn’t bode well for your candidacy.
In sum: stay engaged with your electives and give them your best effort, but don’t fret if you’re no Picasso and got a B in art. So long as you’re not applying to art programs, that won’t get much scrutiny from admission officers.
How do I know what to take in high school if I don’t know what my major will be in college yet?
Most students don’t have a major interest in mind until the end of their high school career, so you’re among friends here!
(Useful resource: How to choose a college major.)
This is often why there’s less variety among early transcripts, as chipping away at graduation requirements and seeing what you enjoy along the way—will eventually inform some of the subject areas you may want to pursue more advanced coursework in (and eventually, potentially major in a related field in college) during 11th or 12th grade.
Sticking to the five core academic courses (English, math, social studies, science, and language) all four years of high school will give you the widest options available when it comes to college—especially if you reach calculus and graduate with biology, chemistry, and physics on your transcript.
There are many colleges (particularly liberal arts colleges) that embrace undecided students—and for the flagship public college in your state, there is often a College of Arts and Sciences that expect students to be coming in with broad, foundational subjects in many areas, with the intention of specializing in a major sometime after their first two years of college.
Increasingly, though, more and more selective colleges are considering the concept of academic alignment when reviewing applications for competitive majors, like business, engineering, pre-med programs, and computer science. If you’re “late to the party” with a major interest and can’t turn back the clock to take advantage of all the relevant courses your high school offers, consider taking some self-directed or online courses, community college classes, an independent project, or a summer program to demonstrate your desire to prepare for that subject area. You may also want to expand your college list so you aren’t putting your eggs solely in the selective basket, as there are many colleges with high-quality programs that aren’t as difficult to be admitted to that will take you without as much of a focus on high school “prerequisites.”
Additionally, you can also show fit-to-major through your extracurricular activity involvements (so, things like FBLA if you’re interested in business, or robotics if you’re interested in engineering) and write about those experiences in your applications!
Do I need to take courses in high school that align closely with what I want to study in college?
For most colleges (and most majors), students who complete a broad, liberal arts-based high school experience with core solid academic courses all four years are well-positioned for the admissions process.
However, the more selective a college or major becomes, the more pressure there is on students to demonstrate academic alignment with their intended path.
If you plan on studying the most in-demand majors (like business, computer science, engineering, pre-med or pre-health programs, etc.), do note that the admission officer evaluating your file will most likely scan your school profile—which is sent by your school alongside your transcript and recommendation letters to colleges—to see what courses you could have taken in high school that align with your stated interests.
There are also competitive programs in the arts (film, audition-based conservatories, etc.) that often like to see that you’ve taken advantage of your school’s most rigorous arts offerings.
This is often why many college counselors recommend against choosing these majors on your applications at selective colleges (or colleges with high-demand programs) if you don’t have the relevant coursework.
Does this mean you can never study these areas if you had that “late” lightbulb moment?
No, the journey is not over!
Adjusting your college list to include programs that are known to accommodate a broader range of students is one step you can take. Another might be pursuing community college coursework and looking to transfer to a four-year institution after you’ve tackled those prerequisites.
Whichever you choose, the key here is to be strategic with the majors you choose on your college applications, and recognize the need to explore more broadly if you’re confident in your decision to pursue a major (even if you missed some of the aligned coursework in high school).
How do I find out each individual college’s recommended/required courses?
Colleges are pretty transparent with their course requirements on their Common Data Set, which you can easily Google for any college you’re interested in. You can also use a third party website like CollegeData.com, which loads the information from a college’s Common Data set into a more reader-friendly format.
If you scroll to Section C5 of an individual college’s Common Data Set, you will see the recommended and required courses they like to see in applicants.
Do college admissions offices understand how challenging the courses at my high school are? How do they assess this?
As long as you don’t go to a brand-new high school, yes—colleges keep historical records of applicants from your high school in the past and use documents like your school profile to better understand your academic context and how challenging your high school is.
Datapoints on your school profile (such as the percent of students who attend four year colleges, average SAT, ACT, AP and/or IB scores, and college matriculation lists) give admissions officers a sense of the environment you’re coming from. It’ll also often include valuable information about participation in advanced coursework, including whether or not there are any limits your school has imposed (and, to reiterate, you are not penalized for these limits—they’re meant to help you not overload academically!).
This is why we advise looking at your school profile early on as you start to map out your high school course plan, so that way you know how your school and courses are being communicated to colleges.
If you feel as if there are certain elements of your school’s curriculum, particularly demanding courses, or other school-based anomalies that you don’t see reflected on the profile, talk with your school counselor about the best way to contextualize this. They can potentially mention these in their recommendation letter, and you can also write about them in your Additional Information section (which is a space most colleges offer on their application to explain these sorts of circumstances).
Transcripts vs. report cards: How are my courses communicated to colleges?
Report cards are usually sent per academic quarter, semester, or trimester to students and families to get a sense of your progress in full-term academic courses. They give you a preview of what might eventually be included on your transcript, which is a document sent to colleges that lists all of the courses you’ve taken in high school each year, as well as some sense of your grades in those courses (whether that’s per semester, per trimester, or even a final full year grade).
Knowing what your individual high school’s transcript looks like will give you a better sense of how colleges will evaluate your grades. So say, for instance, you got a B first quarter in your 9th grade math class, but raised it to an A second quarter—leaving you with an A- overall for the semester. Before you start panicking that that first quarter B is thwarting your college plans, check and see whether or not that B will even be included on your transcript (because there’s a high degree of likelihood that it wouldn’t).
We recommend requesting unofficial copies of your transcript at the end of each year, just so you have this perspective in mind as you start to put together your college applications.
This will help you gauge whether or not it’d be valuable to contextualize and elaborate on any of your grades or course choices in the Additional Information section of your application.
All of this hopefully serves as an important reminder to keep the forest (aka “the big picture”) in mind as you move through high school, rather than get hyperfixated on the trees (aka individual grades you receive on projects, or during an in-progress term, that don’t end up being shared with colleges).
My school recently got rid of AP courses (or never had them in the first place). Am I at a disadvantage?
No, you’re not at a disadvantage. Colleges don’t “ding” you for not taking what wasn’t available to you… so, if your school doesn’t offer AP classes, no admission officer would even expect them to be part of your transcript (same goes for AP exam scores).
In fact, many high schools have moved away from the AP curriculum in recent years to give their teachers more autonomy over their courses and design them in ways that they feel can best serve their students in a customized way, since AP courses follow a somewhat more standardized syllabus.
There are many elite high schools in particular that don’t offer any AP or IB courses, offering their own self-designed advanced curriculum instead. One quick look at their college matriculation list should prove how the lack of this standard form of course rigor isn’t holding their students back in any way!
My school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, but I’m on the fence about taking it. Am I at a disadvantage if I don’t?
The IB diploma—regardless of the individual courses or levels you choose— is well regarded by colleges and universities as a challenging high school experience. More selective colleges (so, those that admit 50% of their applicant pool or less) will expect their most competitive applicants to have taken advantage of this opportunity if it was available to them.
If you’re not targeting selective colleges, opting out of the diploma won’t typically hinder your future plans. But we’d really recommend taking the diploma for your own personal growth and development, and so that you have the broadest number of college options available to you.
My school offers a combination of advanced courses: honors, AP, IB and/or dual enrollment. Is one option better than the other?
You have the full menu available to you—how fun! And, potentially, a tad stressful, since you could go lots of different directions with your high school experience, each with some pros and cons.
If you happen to have honors, AP, IB and dual enrollment courses available at your high school, our college counseling team would most likely recommend considering the IB diploma as an ultimate graduation goal, and supplement your experience with some courses from the other categories (oftentimes, this means honors classes earlier on in high school, and a combination of AP, IB, and dual enrollment toward the end).
In many ways, pursuing the IB diploma takes a lot of the pressure off of you as a student as far as hypothesizing what colleges on your list might want to see, since the standard course sequence is highly valued by selective colleges. The IB diploma also is chock full of skills that colleges and employers love to see, and ones that will help you live a more meaningful life more broadly, including:
research and analytical thinking
time management and organization
critical thinking
problem solving
interdisciplinary studies
leadership
service
cultural and global awareness
That said, if you find yourself craving more flexibility or have very staunch preferences about the types of classes you want to take, the AP route might provide you with that, since it’s a little more “pick and choose.” And, thankfully, it’s still highly valued by colleges and seen as an equivalent (in terms of challenge) to an IB course.
Like AP and IB, which often grant students college credit (depending on where they enroll), dual enrollment courses through a local community college are another great option, particularly if you live in a state with large financial incentives or credit transfer policies that would allow you to finish your four-year degree for less time and money (like Running Start in Washington State). If the class is taken on a physical college campus, it’s also a great way to get a feel for that type of environment, gain more independence, engage with a more diverse group of students from different ages and backgrounds than your high school.
Unlike AP and IB courses, however, many dual enrollment programs allow students to explore more technical and less common courses, which is somewhat of a blessing and a curse.
It’s a blessing (and exciting to many students) because community colleges often have a wide range of courses you wouldn’t typically see in your high school—like an Ultrasound Technician class for someone interested in healthcare. However, it’s important not to misconstrue courses that are seen as more career-oriented or technical as equal replacements for core academic subjects.
So, to answer the original question—as always in college admission, it depends! Consider IB first and foremost if it’s available, and if it’s not to your liking, know that a combination of honors, AP and/or dual enrollment will still often give you exciting pathways (each with pros and cons) to pursue all five core academic subjects (English, math, science, social studies and language) all four years of high school.
My school limits the number of advanced courses I can take per year and/or has a tracking process that makes it difficult to take what I want. What should I do?
Many students and families falsely believe that their admissions chances are in jeopardy when their high school or district implements any kind of cap or limitation related to advanced coursework.
But remember this: college admissions officers do not penalize students for attending high schools with these policies. They respect when schools take action steps to curb extreme achievement pressure, which is often the root of these types of reforms.
So, if you attend a school with limits on advanced courses, take what you can within those parameters and choose the advanced courses that most align with your interests and college aspirations, and don’t stress that you should be doing more.
Now, if you were tracked into a certain course sequence (based on something like your middle school courses and grades or a placement test) and think you should be in a more challenging environment, this is a situation where you may want to contact your school counselor or administrator to see what options are available to level-up.
Our team has worked with several students who, for various reasons, may have been “undertracked” in a certain subject (perhaps, for instance, they scored lower on a language placement test than their actual preparation and background may suggest). Situations like these are infrequent, but can happen. When they arise, be prepared to advocate for yourself, but also recognize that educators at your school possess institutional knowledge and experience with prior students and families, so take their opinion and guidance to heart!
Online advanced course options (like One Schoolhouse or UC Scout) or community college classes can be valuable ways to supplement your high school course offerings, especially if your school has more limited options or limits that hinder your academic growth. Do pursue this path selectively and intentionally, though. Overloading academically can often lead to burnout and poor mental health in students, especially when sleep schedules and valuable social/family time are heavily impacted.
For guidance on things like
Or just what are AP classes?
You can check out the specific guides we have at each relevant link above.
Or if you prefer audio, you can check out our podcasts on
And
“Easier” How to choose courses: sample schedules and considerations
Below, we’ll walk through factors to consider year-by-year, and offer sample schedules.
9th Graders
Transitioning from middle to high school is a big deal and comes with big changes: from refining your time-management skills, to building meaningful relationships, to figuring out how to avoid getting a wedgie in the hallways (jk, that’s, like… hopefully a relic of the past), to better understanding your identity and interests.
9th graders often have less choice around their courses than older students. It’s typically seen as the year to start “chipping away” at your state’s graduation requirements and is based on a foundation of the 5 core solid academic courses, plus 2-3 elective classes.
Your 9th grade “track,” as it’s sometimes called, is usually recommended by your new high school’s administration based on your middle school grades, placement tests, or other factors.
You and your family can always advocate for yourself in this process if you ever feel like you can handle more advanced courses than what you’re tracked into. If you approach these conversations with school admin, be sure to balance two things: listening to your gut and past successes, while also listening to the caring teachers and educational professionals who use their best judgment and years of experience in guiding students from middle to high school.
Here’s a typical 9th grade schedule for a U.S. public school student:
English
Algebra or Geometry
Biology or Physical Science (learn more about Physics First)
U.S. or World History
Language (Level 1)
Physical Education
Additional Elective (Art, Music, etc.)
Here are some of the top questions 9th graders have around course selection:
Should I start taking advanced courses (honors, AP, IB, etc.) now or later?
It’s good to familiarize yourself with any “tiers of rigor” your high school may have early on. At most high schools, there are often one or two categories of advanced course offerings beyond the general college preparatory sequence (sometimes called “college prep” or “regular” classes”). Here are some examples:
Regular (challenging)
Honors or Accelerated (more challenging)
Advanced Placement/AP or dual enrollment (most challenging)
One mistake some ambitious students can make is “overloading” on advanced courses early on and getting overwhelmed by the new pace of high school, juggling extracurricular activities and studying, and the subject material. Students who were mostly “A students” in middle school can often handle 2 or 3 advanced courses. Some, of course, can handle more. There’s a lot of individualism to this decision!
But the last thing you want is to be drowning early on in a schedule that’s too overwhelming for you, as this can tank your GPA and grades early on, and leave you frustrated and disappointed in yourself.
It’s all about pace!
We recommend “dipping your toes” into one advanced course, if possible, as a 9th grader—whether that’s the equivalent of an Honors-level (more challenging) or AP-level (most challenging) course is up to the individual student and your school offerings.
Which one? Well, most students usually have a favorite subject, or one they really excelled at in middle school. That may be a good one to start with. As you move throughout high school, there will be many other opportunities to start “leveling up” and challenging yourself as you become more familiar with the setting, pace, and environment of high school.
But keep in mind that different schools have different tracking for each content area—at some schools, students have to double up on math in 10th grade to be able to take calculus senior year.
Be sure you understand the pathway to the most rigorous classes, if you’re hoping to apply to highly selective colleges.
What elective courses should I take?
Electives are basically all of the “other courses”—beyond the core solid academic ones—that your school may offer. Many U.S. states require students to complete a certain number of elective courses. Here are some frequent examples that vary from state to state:
Physical Education and Health (often 1-2 years)
Visual or Performing Arts (often 1 year or less)
Career and Technical Education/CTE (often 1 year or less)
Personal Finance (often 1 year or less)
Computer Science or Technology (often 1 year or less)
We typically recommend that 9th graders start “chipping away” at some of these state or school-based electives early on. That way, you’re not a senior in an ill-fitting gym uniform playing capture the flag with younger kiddos. Not speaking from experience or anything…
If your schedule allows it and there’s a particular unique or special course your school offers that you’re just DYING to take—sure, go for it! But just remember not to “put off” too many of those “basic” graduation requirements, because that can often lead to a less free and flowing junior or senior year—which is typically the time when students have more course choices and may want to leave room for things like study halls to handle their increased workload.
10th Graders
With the first year of high school under your belt, you’ve (hopefully!) gotten into the swing of things and mastered the essentials: the school schedule, your friend group, and which foods to avoid at all costs in the cafeteria.
But the “serious” things are also ramping up:
How many advanced courses should I take?
Should I stick with this club that I lowkey only joined because my 8th-grade bestie asked me to, or try something completely new?
Am I supposed to have figured out a college major by now (because if so, SOS)?
Woah woah, there—one step at a time, my friend.
Sophomore year is often described as the "in-between" year of high school—you’ve survived the transition from middle school, and now you’re beginning to find your groove. It’s a time to remain consistent with your efforts, explore emerging interests, and consider leveling up in certain subjects to keep things challenging and engaging.
(Pro tip: Start keeping track of the little wins—aces on tests, cool projects, leadership moments—as they’ll come in handy when you’re applying to colleges in a couple of years!).
You may also want to consider our Counting Down + Up exercise, which is kind of like keeping a diary from your past high school courses and chronicling the highs and lows that came with them.
10th grade is still mostly about chipping away at graduation requirements, but it’s also an important year to start laying the groundwork for future academic challenges. If you’re considering increasing the rigor in one or more subjects, this is a great time to do so. Studies show that just increasing the difficulty level in one area where you’re strong can lead to higher engagement, self-confidence, and academic growth over time.
Here’s a typical 10th grade schedule for a U.S. public school student:
English
Algebra II, Geometry or Precalculus
Chemistry
U.S. or World History
Language (Level 2)
Two electives your choice
Here are some of the top questions 10th graders have around course selection:
Should I start increasing rigor in my schedule?
Yes, if you feel ready and your school allows for it! Tackling more challenging courses—healthily!—has lots of benefits beyond college admission.
For example, a 2017 study by the American Educational Research Association found that students who took more rigorous courses in high school developed stronger problem-solving skills and were more likely to stay engaged in their learning throughout high school and beyond.
And please keep in mind that, with the way rules and prerequisites can work at some schools, you can effectively get “trapped” in a course sequence and may have to advocate (heavily) to get into more challenging courses.
Here’s how to approach this:
Choose selectively. Think about the subjects where you excelled last year or those you truly enjoyed. If you got an A in 9th-grade Biology and found it fascinating, you might want to challenge yourself with Honors Chemistry or even AP Biology (if your school allows it).
Lean on the wisdom of your school-based counselor and peers. It’s totally OK to head into sophomore year with ambitious plans to supercharge your learning—but before diving in headfirst and potentially drowning with more than you can manage, talk to your school-based counselor about your schedule plans and whether or not they’ll allow you to juggle other various commitments in your life. If you’ve met upperclassmen through your extracurricular activities or other areas of school life, they might also have intel to share about certain teachers or courses.
For instance, if all of your soccer teammates mentioned that a science class with a particular teacher had some really elevated concepts that they would have been better prepared for with other lab sciences under their belt, perhaps wait to take it until you’ve sharpened your skills a little more.
If you’re feeling unsure, it’s okay to take your time. You don’t need to overload yourself in 10th grade. But remember, one or two advanced classes in your strongest subjects will help you build a strong foundation for the rest of high school.
What electives should I consider in 10th grade?
In 10th grade, it’s a great idea to start exploring subjects that can help round out your high school experience and potentially help you with college applications. You can continue to check off state or school-based graduation requirements, but also consider electives that give you a taste of possible college majors or career fields. For example:
Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses
Foreign Language (Level 2 or higher)
Visual or Performing Arts (perhaps focusing on an area you enjoy or wish to explore further)
Technology or Computer Science (many schools offer electives in coding, web design, or game development)
Personal Finance (a practical skill that will help you as you move forward in life)
If you’re unsure what to choose, think about your long-term goals. Do you like the idea of becoming a lawyer, doctor, or engineer? Or maybe you want to work in technology or the arts? Some electives can give you a head start on these fields, even if you’re just exploring them now.
What if I’m feeling overwhelmed with my coursework? Can I change my courses if I’m not happy with them?
It’s totally normal to feel a little overwhelmed during 10th grade, especially as you start taking on more challenging material. Remember that balancing school with extracurriculars, part-time jobs, and social life can be a lot to handle. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support from teachers, counselors, or even family members if you start feeling too stressed.
Adjusting your schedule—or getting extra help if you need it—are options you should certainly explore if you find yourself drowning in a particular course. Don’t wait too long before taking action, though. Many high schools have unique “add/drop” policies, where you’re able to switch courses during a particular timeframe with no penalty—but after a few weeks or so, you may be told to stick the course out.
Pro tip: most college applications have an Additional Information section where students can explain extenuating circumstances or challenges during their high school experience. So, if you need to adjust your schedule because of overwhelm, change your course plan after your first semester, or something in between, just know that there’s a place in your college process to explain that change of heart—and the skills, qualities, values, and interests you gained by making the pivot.
Should I start thinking about my college major, and picking my courses to prepare for that next step?
First off, if you’re hoping for more help and direction thinking about major and career exploration, check out our How to Choose a College Major guide.
10th grade is the perfect time to start exploring potential college majors, since you have a year of courses to reflect back on and a baseline of where your strengths and interests lie. If you’re considering applying to more selective colleges, something that’s become more prevalent in many review processes is the concept of “fit to major”: Students who are applying to more competitive majors and programs (like business, pre-med, computer science, or engineering) are often expected to have taken courses that align with those interests during high school.
Here are some more specific fields and what high school courses colleges like to see for students preparing for those career paths— note that this is not a “must do” list, but more of a “would be nice” list assembled by our colleague Susan Dabbar:
Here’s another handy guide from the University of Pennsylvania (aka Penn) that showcases what their admissions team considers when making admissions decisions on their various colleges/programs:
A word of caution/advice: while showing alignment with your potential major is generally a good idea, there is such a thing as “overspecializing” too early.
What do we mean by this?
Say, for instance, you joined Model U.N. in 9th grade and now you’re hooked on the idea of working for the actual United Nations as a diplomat. It’d make sense to explore lots of history, world language, and social studies classes offered at your high school to build up the necessary skillsets for that long-term career goal, which often means majoring in an area like political science or international relations in college.
But what you DON’T want to do is stop taking math after you’re reached your three-year graduation requirement and replace that with a double-serving of those more humanities and social science-based classes.
Why?
Because there are a lot of great colleges that expect students to come in with that broad-based liberal arts education spanning the five core academic subjects, and you wouldn’t want to rule those out—even if you don’t think math is as relevant.
Remember: the key here is to show academic alignment, not specialization.
Wait until college (or potentially grad school) to really dig into a niche academic topic! Foregoing your interest in other subjects prematurely can cause you to close a lot of doors to exciting future paths, and, as we know from Disney/Frozen, love is an open door.
For more on this topic, we encourage you to listen to College Essay Guy’s podcast episode 403: AP, IB, Honors, Oh My!: How Admissions Officers View Your High School Courses, Rigor, and School Context (with Susan Tree)
11th Graders
By the time you hit 11th grade, you’re no longer a “new” high schooler—you're practically a pro at this whole balancing act of schoolwork, extracurriculars, and everything else that comes with being a high school student.
Perfectly seasoned—like a waffle fry.
Junior year is often described as the “most important” year of high school, and for good reason. This is when colleges start paying serious attention to your grades, and if you haven’t already, it's a time to ramp up your academic rigor and begin exploring the subjects that could shape your college applications.
This year is all about stepping up your game—whether it’s diving into more challenging coursework, considering how to make the most of your high school’s offerings, or finding ways to stand out with self-directed academic exploration.
Here’s a typical 11th-grade schedule for a U.S. public school student:
English
Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, or Calculus
Chemistry or Physics
U.S. or World History
Language (Level 3 or higher)
One elective
One additional course (either another academic solid course, a study hall, or another elective)
Here are the top questions 11th graders have around course selection:
Should I really push myself with more advanced coursework in 11th grade?
Yes! If you haven’t already, this is the year to really step up the rigor of your coursework. At this point, colleges will be looking closely at the grades you earned during your 10th and 11th grades, as they’re a major part of your academic record when you apply. The key here is to find the balance between pushing yourself with more challenging classes and managing your workload effectively.
Taking honors, AP, or IB classes is one way to show that you're serious about your academics. If you haven't taken any AP or IB courses yet, consider adding at least one to your schedule, especially in a subject you enjoy or excel in.
If you’ve already done some AP courses, this is a good time to go even further and consider taking the most challenging classes your school offers. Be mindful, though, that taking on too many advanced courses can lead to burnout—so choose wisely, and ensure that you’re still able to maintain a strong GPA.
How many AP or honors classes should I take? There's no magic number here. It’s about balance. Colleges want to see that you’re challenging yourself, but they don’t want to see you burn out. Consider taking 2-4 advanced courses that align with your strengths and interests, but make sure you can still keep up with your extracurriculars and personal well-being.
Should I consider classes like AP Capstone (AP Seminar/Research) or the IB Diploma? What are the benefits?
Definitely! Junior year is a great time to consider academic programs that give you more freedom to explore topics that interest you in-depth, which can often lead to exciting self-directed projects (sometimes called “passion projects”) that align with your potential major interest.
Oftentimes, these types of independently-pursued projects are very eye catching to admission offices, since they demonstrate your ability to manage ambiguity and pursue something that doesn’t have as much of a formula (since many students are good at “checking boxes” as high school students, but far fewer demonstrate an ability to carve out something with less direction).
If your school offers AP Capstone (which includes AP Seminar and AP Research), it’s a fantastic way to get more self-directed in your learning. The AP Capstone program allows you to explore a topic of your choice, conduct research, and present your findings in a structured way. This can help you develop valuable skills in critical thinking, writing, and research, all of which will make you stand out when you apply to college.
Another great option (if it’s available to you) is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which offers a Diploma Program that includes a requirement for an Extended Essay. The Extended Essay is an independent, 4,000-word research paper that allows you to explore a topic that fascinates you. It’s a rigorous yet rewarding experience that will help you hone your research and writing skills.
Should I consider summer courses or online classes if I’ve maxed out on high school offerings?
If you’ve reached a point where you feel like you’ve taken all of the courses your school offers in your areas of interest, consider exploring summer courses, online offerings, or community college classes. Many colleges and universities offer summer programs for high school students, and community colleges often have courses available for high schoolers, especially if you meet certain prerequisites.
Taking these classes can show colleges that you’re serious about learning and that you're capable of handling college-level coursework. But keep in mind, this is not an expectation or requirement for being a competitive applicant. Some students may choose to work or focus on extracurriculars instead, and that’s perfectly valid. It’s all about finding a balance that works for you, so don’t feel pressured to overload yourself.
Additionally, you can check with your high school to see if you might be able to be a teacher’s assistant (TA) in subjects you’ve excelled in. Not all schools offer this as an option, but it can be a great way to share your expertise with other students, sharpen your teaching and communication skills, and become an even stronger expert in the material.
12th Graders
The finish line is in sight! Senior year is like that last stretch of a marathon—exhausting, but also exhilarating.
It’s a time to wrap up your high school journey and push yourself to finish strong, both academically and personally. Senior year also brings the excitement of college applications, proms, and, hopefully, a lot of well-deserved recognition for all of your hard work over the years.
But here’s the catch: While it’s tempting to ease up and coast toward graduation, that’s actually one of the biggest traps you can fall into. Senioritis—aka the “I’m already done” mentality—can sneak up on you, and colleges will be watching your final grades.
Just because you’ve been accepted doesn’t mean you can slack off, as they will often rescind offers based on poor performance in your senior year. In fact, many students find that their senior year grades are just as important as their earlier high school years—especially for college admissions and scholarship considerations.
Your senior year schedule is your final opportunity to showcase your academic strengths and your ability to juggle the demands of high school and beyond. You may feel like you’ve earned the right to take a lighter course load, but we encourage you to continue pushing yourself. Whether it’s keeping your schedule just as challenging as the previous year or even opting for a heavier load, this is no time to plateau.
Here’s a typical 12th-grade schedule for a U.S. public school student:
English (often a senior-level course or a specialized subject, like AP Literature or Creative Writing)
Advanced Math (calculus, statistics, etc., if applicable)
Science (Physics, Chemistry, or advanced electives if you’re interested)
History (often U.S. Government, Economics, or a specialized social studies class)
Language (Level 4 or higher if you’ve been studying a language for multiple years)
Elective (Art, Music, Technology, etc.)
Additional Elective or Study Hall
Here are some of the top questions 12th graders have around course selection:
Should I “go easier” as a senior since my transcript only includes my grades up until junior year?
Nope, this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make! The last thing you want to do is drop core academic courses just because you have the freedom and flexibility to do so.
And the question actually contains what is, for many students, a myth: Many (if not most) high schools list your scheduled senior classes as “in progress” on your transcript, meaning that colleges will see what you’re intending to take and consider that in their evaluation. These courses are also typically self-reported in the Education section of the Common Application.
Colleges care about senior year grades and course choices, and often request first-quarter and mid-year transcripts as part of their application review process (even for early action or early decision applicants), and require final transcripts for admitted students. A dip in your academic performance could result in rescinded admissions or scholarship offers, or missed opportunities.
If you’ve been taking a challenging course load throughout high school, don’t “plateau” your senior year. Stay strong.
Either maintain the rigor of your junior year or increase it by opting for tougher courses, even if it’s just one or two. If you’ve been enrolled in AP, honors, or dual-enrollment classes, don’t back out now. Senior year is still a time to show colleges that you’re capable of thriving in challenging intellectual environments!
Should I take a 4th year of a foreign language if I’m planning on majoring in STEM?
While it might seem unnecessary to continue with a language if you’re headed for a STEM field, a fourth year of language is an excellent choice. Many college admissions teams expect that you demonstrate consistency and dedication in your academic pursuits, and sticking with a language is a great way to show both.
Plus, it looks impressive to admissions committees when you can demonstrate fluency in more than one language—especially if you’re aiming for a competitive school. A strong second language can also open doors to international opportunities, and many STEM fields increasingly value cross-cultural communication.
I’m worried about balancing my academics, extracurriculars and college applications during my first semester. What should I do?
The fall semester is going to be busy—especially if you’re deep into the college application process. Between essays, interviews, and finalizing your applications, you might want to lighten your load a bit. It’s not uncommon for students to balance their hardest courses in the spring semester when they’ll have more breathing room after applications are submitted.
If possible, you might want to reserve your most difficult classes (like AP or advanced science courses) for the spring term. This can give you the time to focus on your applications in the fall without jeopardizing your performance in high-level courses.
In contrast, the spring semester is often a time when students are more free to engage in deeper academic work and possibly even explore courses that align more closely with their personal interests.
What electives should I take senior year?
At this point, electives should reflect your personal passions or areas where you’d like to deepen your knowledge before heading to college. This is the time to explore courses that align with your future goals, whether that’s advanced art classes, music, or technology. Electives in areas that may be outside your typical academic trajectory are great, too—this is the year when you can take more risks and experiment with subjects that spark your curiosity.
Just remember: This is your last year to really focus on building a well-rounded academic profile, so be strategic in your choices. Try to select electives that will help you develop new skills that will be useful in college or in your future career.
Will taking a study hall affect my college applications?
Be careful here. While some students use study halls to get ahead on homework or to balance a busy extracurricular schedule (which is totally understandable), dropping a core class for a study hall can give the wrong impression.
College admissions officers want to see that you’re still engaged in your academic growth, even as you approach the end of high school. If you need some free time for mental health or to recharge, consider other ways to carve out time, like a reduced course load in an elective area.
However, it's best to stick with your solid academic courses and avoid taking too many study halls, as this can send the message that you’re easing off too early.
Recommended courses per academic subject
English
When it comes to high school English courses, there’s one thing that’s certain: You’re probably going to be required to take them all four years if you live in the U.S.
Many students appreciate the subjectivity and sometimes seemingly meandering nature of English classes: analyzing texts, diving into creative writing, identifying patterns, and more.
Plus, English classes are packed with the “soft skills” that many employers say are lacking in recent graduates, particularly communication. And, thankfully, colleges are pretty fluid in terms of what they want to see here (unlike with math and science courses, where there are often fixed preferences by colleges for certain core subjects or options within the STEM umbrella).
If your school offers AP English Language and Literature, though, it’s a solid move to take both courses—especially if you crushed the junior-year one. Even if you’re not planning on majoring in English, colleges still value seeing these advanced English offerings on your transcript.
Here’s a list of English courses you might encounter in high school:
English (9-12)
AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition
World Literature
British Literature
American Literature
Shakespeare
Poetry
Creative Writing
Journalism
Speech and Debate/Public Speaking
Mythology
Film as Literature/Media Studies
Pro tip: If you go to a school that’s jam-packed with niche, fancy humanities offerings—like Science Fiction and Speculative Fiction or Graphic Novel and Comic Book Literature—just be sure that you’re covering the “core offerings” your school offers before diving into these more specialized, elective ones. Sometimes certain courses that fall under the English department at a high school don’t align with certain universities’ understanding of the subject—or they’re not NCAA-approved, meaning that if you’re a recruited athlete, you may have a challenging time getting your high school courses signed off on.
Math
When it comes to high school math, there’s one thing you can count on (pun intended!): Colleges expect a solid foundation, so it’s best to aim for a steady progression throughout your four years.
Whether you’re planning on becoming an engineer, a data scientist, or a future philosopher, math is going to help you think critically and problem-solve with precision. It’s more than just a requirement—it’s a life skill.
Ideally, you’ll graduate with Algebra, Geometry (and/or Trigonometry), Precalculus, and Calculus.
If you’re late to the math party, though, and feel like you need to “catch up,” don’t worry! You can take summer courses, community college classes, or even online programs to level up your math skills and be the most competitive college applicant you can. For example, if you took Algebra 1 as a freshman and want to aim for Calculus by senior year, an online Precalculus course over the summer could be your ticket to success.
More than most subjects, math gets the most buzz among students and parents because a student’s placement in certain classes is often determined by how they were “tracked” early on based on perceived ability (oftentimes in elementary or middle school).
If you find yourself excelling in the math course you were tracked into as a 9th grader, it may be worthwhile to talk with your school counselor or administration about options to advance to higher levels. (Side note: if you take courses outside of your high school, they may not always be included on your transcript, so be sure to secure transcripts and/or certificates of completion that you can send directly to colleges that you apply to).
In contrast, if you find yourself challenged by your math course material, be wary of pressuring yourself to advance too quickly.
Sometimes students (or their families) have a certain level of math in mind that they want to reach before graduating in order to bolster their college applications to colleges with selective STEM programs. While having a rigorous math trajectory is important to these colleges, trying to “skip steps” in the traditional math sequence can result in students feeling overwhelmed by the material, which can sometimes cause a concerning dip in grades.
Our college counseling team has found that the ideal time and/or high school year to double-up in math courses is taking Geometry and Algebra II simultaneously, if your school permits it. Because these math disciplines involve different skillsets and concepts, it prevents your brain from experiencing a cognitive “math overload,” and is slightly preferable to another common route for advancing in math, which is taking a 6-week summer course in Algebra II. While this option isn’t terrible, some students struggle absorbing and retaining the key concepts during the shorter timeframe in a summer course, causing Precalculus to be more challenging than they anticipated (and occasionally impacting standardized test scores).
Here’s a list of math courses you might encounter in high school:
Algebra I
Algebra II
Geometry
Trigonometry
Precalculus
Calculus (AB and BC)
AP Statistics
IB Analysis and Approaches (AA)
IB Applications and Interpretations (AI)
Linear Algebra (college-level or advanced high school course)
Multivariable Calculus (college-level or advanced high school course)
And here are some common math-related course questions many students and families have:
My high school doesn’t offer calculus. What should I do?
Many colleges (including Caltech) have bridge programs or alternate admission pathways to support students who are coming in without that experience. It’s also worth noting that some schools, particularly those serving underrepresented communities, might not offer high-level math due to resource constraints, so colleges are becoming more understanding of this gap. Consider exploring online options (like OneSchoolhouse or UC Scout) or a local community college, if you’re ready for this level of math but it’s not available within your school.
Should I take AP Stats or AP Calc (or my school’s equivalent)?
If your school offers both, AP Calc AB is definitely the way to go, especially if you’re hoping to go into STEM, business, or any major that requires math. It’s generally viewed as the highest math level available in high school and opens up the most opportunities for college admissions. AP Stats can be a great complement if you have room in your schedule and equips you with a lot of practical skills used in many industries, but we wouldn’t advise swapping it for calculus—unless you’re absolutely sure that math will be more limited in your future and/or isn’t something you can take on.
But what about AP Calc AB vs. BC (or my school’s equivalent)?
If you’re targeting super-selective STEM schools (like MIT or Caltech) or competitive majors that have extremely heavy math components (like computer science or engineering), taking AP Calc BC could be a game-changer. But, spoiler alert: Not every student needs to be in Calc BC.
Most colleges will be just as satisfied with AP Calc AB (since many popular majors, like business, require students to repeat calculus when they get to college anyway). If you already have a few colleges or programs in mind that you’re interested in, you can always contact the admissions officer who reads for your high school/region and get clarity about this distinction (and whether or not it heavily impacts your process).
Which IB math should I take: Analysis and Approaches (AA) or Applications and Interpretations (AI)?
While both of these math classes are options students can choose to complete the IB diploma, IB Analysis and Approaches is seen as the equivalent of a calculus class and considered more “pure mathematics.” This is the course you want to take if you’re intending on majoring in a STEM subject, including engineering, computer science, biology or chemistry.
IB Applications and Interpretations is more focused on real-world math scenarios in industries, such as statistics, and might be more in-line with your interest if you know you’re dead-set on studying something outside of STEM in college.
That said, many business and economics majors still like seeing the equivalent of calculus on a student’s transcript, so IB Analysis and Approaches has the broadest appeal.
How important are post-AP math options (like Linear Algebra or Multivariable Calculus) if I’m targeting top STEM schools?
For most students, taking courses like these would be seen as going above-and-beyond prior to college. But a lot of this depends on the environment you’re coming from.
Remember: Colleges evaluate you relative to the academic context, meaning that if you go to a high school where these types of advanced math are offered (like the Bay Area in California)—and they’re commonly pursued by students—there is an expectation that you’ll “keep up with the Joneses.”
If you come from, say, a rural high school or area with more limited options (or less of a college-going culture), these types courses would not be something an admission officer would expect of you (though, if you have the ambition and desire to pursue them, online courses, summer courses, and/or community college options are always there as a way to supplement and dream big).
Science
When it comes to high school science, there are three words you’ll want to remember: Biology. Physics. Chemistry.
These are the foundational courses that colleges look for, especially if you’re aiming for a STEM-focused major (but even if you’re not).
Ideally, you’ll take all three during high school—and, since colleges like seeing four years of science (even though most U.S. states only require three), you usually have the opportunity to repeat one of these core subjects at an advanced level (so, an Honors, AP or IB course, for instance).
Some schools will even have specific requirements—like the UCs, which require one year of life science and one year of physical science with lab in order to apply.
Here’s a list of science courses you might encounter in high school:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics (algebra-based and calculus-based)
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Physics (1, 2, or C)
Astronomy
Geology
Environmental Science
Anatomy and Physiology
Computer Science
Forensic Science
Earth Science
Marine Biology
And here are some common science-related course questions many students and families have:
Algebra-based or calculus-based physics: does it matter?
You may have heard of the “Physics First” movement, offering physics early in the high school curriculum—often 9th grade—to give students a stronger scientific foundation from the get-go.
When it comes to choosing between algebra-based (the equivalent of AP Physics 1 and 2) or calc-based physics (the equivalent of AP Physics C), don’t stress too much. Most colleges will care that you’ve taken physics—whether or not it was algebra-based or calc-based isn’t going to make or break your application.
However, if you’re aiming for a career in engineering or physics, calc-based physics may be more beneficial, since it will better prepare you for the math-heavy coursework in college and beyond.
Engineering or CS students should generally take AP Physics C unless only Physics 1/ is offered.
I’m torn between taking AP Biology, AP Chemistry and/or AP Physics— my schedule won’t allow me to complete all three. Which is better?
Each of these courses is great to consider if you’re pursuing any STEM major. Generally, if you’re pursuing something in the life sciences or something adjacent to pre-health or pre-med, AP Biology or AP Chemistry would be ones to prioritize, while future engineers and computer scientists may want to consider AP Physics (particularly AP Physics C, if you have the calculus background and it’s available).
Is it OK to swap out core science courses for more fun electives (like anatomy, environmental science, or robotics) that relate to my intended major?
Swapping out? No. Supplementing? Perhaps!
Elective science courses can be a great way to explore more specific interests that relate to potential majors—like taking anatomy if you’re interested in healthcare—but the core “trinity” of biology, chemistry, and physics are the foundational sciences you need to succeed in fields like medicine, nursing, or biomedical research.
Same goes for students who are interested in tackling issues like climate change and (understandably) want to take Environmental Studies courses—it’s great to make room for this in your schedule if you can, but aim to prioritize those foundational lab sciences first.
If you end up having to make a choice between the elective or the lab science from a scheduling standpoint—9 times out of 10, the lab science should win out.
Is computer science considered a science?
The short answer: It depends.
Many schools recognize computer science as a science, particularly as it relates to growing fields like data science and artificial intelligence.
But as we’ve clarified, computer science should not be seen as a replacement for biology, chemistry, or physics. If you want the widest range of college options and a solid science background, stick to the core sciences first and foremost and consider taking Computer Science as an elective.
Social Studies/Social Science
Social studies courses help you understand the world—past, present, and future. They sharpen your analytical skills, deepen your cultural awareness, and equip you to engage meaningfully in civic life.
Whether you’re breaking down the causes of a historical revolution, debating the nuances of fiscal policy, or exploring the psychology behind human decision-making, these classes have the power to shape the way you think and interact with the world.
Unlike math and science, where colleges often have more specific preferences, social studies offers you more freedom. Admissions teams value these courses for the skills they build—critical thinking, writing, and understanding global and cultural contexts. This means you can tailor your course selection to your interests without worrying too much about “checking boxes.”
Whether you’re taking AP World History because you love learning about global civilizations or diving into economics to prepare for a business major, there’s a lot of flexibility here. The key is balancing your curiosity with foundational courses that demonstrate a well-rounded knowledge of history and society.
Here’s a list of social studies courses you might encounter in high school:
U.S. History (or AP U.S. History)
World History (or AP World History)
Government/Civics (or AP U.S. Government and Politics)
Economics (or AP Microeconomics/Macroeconomics)
Geography
AP Human Geography
AP European History
Sociology
Psychology (or AP Psychology)
Anthropology
Ethnic Studies
Global Studies
Regional History (e.g., Latin American, African, or Asian History)
And here are some common social studies-related course questions many students and families have:
Where should I start out with social studies?
Most students begin with foundational courses in U.S. History, World History, or their state’s required government or civics classes. These courses provide a strong grounding in the principles and events that shape societies and governance.
If your school offers courses like AP U.S. History or AP World History, these are great options for building analytical and critical thinking skills—even as early as 9th and 10th grade, since they don’t require as much prerequisite knowledge (like taking an AP-level Biology course after a 9th grade introductory biology course, for instance). They’re also highly valued by colleges, regardless of your intended major.
If your school offers regional or niche history courses (e.g., Latin American History or Middle Eastern Studies), these can add an interesting dimension to your transcript down the line and show academic alignment for many social science-based majors. However, we’d recommend covering the basics—like U.S. and World History—first.
How might I tailor my social studies classes to align with my interests or potential major?
After you’ve met the basic graduation requirements, think about the subjects that align with your potential college major or career path:
Economics: If you’re considering business, finance, or entrepreneurship, an economics class is an excellent addition to your schedule. AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics are especially valuable for diving deeper into global markets and fiscal policy.
Government and Politics: Planning to major in political science or public policy? AP U.S. Government and Politics or Comparative Government can give you insight into the political systems that shape the world.
Geography: Often overlooked, geography helps you understand global interconnectedness, making it a good choice for those interested in international relations or environmental studies. AP Human Geography, in particular, is frequently seen earlier on in many high school student’s academic paths.
Psychology: Academics are increasingly split about whether or not psychology is a science or social science (the College Board recently announced, for instance, that they encourage schools to classify it as a science due to curricular changes)—but more often than not, both high schools and colleges will consider it a social science on your transcript. Regardless, psychology is an engaging course for students curious about human behavior and is particularly well-tailored to students who are interested in studying anything involving mental health or neuroscience. However, it’s generally best to take it after you’ve completed core social studies courses like U.S. or World History.
Language
Language courses are about more than just checking boxes on your transcript—they’re an opportunity to develop valuable skills in communication and cultural understanding. Whether you stick with one language or challenge yourself with a new one, you’re showing colleges that you’re committed to learning and growing. And trust us, that’s what they want to see!
When it comes to high school language courses, there's often some room to wiggle, but that doesn't mean you should coast. While many students stop after three years, especially if they’ve "maxed out" in the language they’re studying, it’s important to understand how colleges view your language choices and what that might mean for your transcript.
Let’s break it down so you can make the best decisions for your college application.
Here’s a list of social studies courses you might encounter in high school:
Spanish I-IV
French I-IV
German I-IV
Latin I-IV
Mandarin Chinese I-IV
Japanese I-IV
Italian I-IV
American Sign Language (ASL) I-IV
Arabic I-IV
Russian I-IV
And here are some common language-related course questions many students and families have:
Do I really have to take three (or four) years of language if my school only requires two or less?
You’ll commonly see three years of the same language on many students’ transcripts, and that’s okay at some schools—but many highly selective colleges prefer four (including all of the Ivy League colleges except Cornell).
It’s important to note that language is the one core subject area that is a little more fluid in terms of college admissions, especially when it’s replaced with another solid core course (think: another English, math, history, or science class).
If you’re thinking of skipping the fourth year of a language, just make sure you’re replacing it with something that demonstrates academic rigor.
For example, don’t swap out Spanish 4 for a study hall. But if you’re replacing it with AP Biology or AP Chemistry—especially if you’re planning on pursuing a STEM major—that’d be considered an understandable “swap.”
What if I “max out” (i.e. reach the highest level offered at my school) early in high school?
Let’s say you’ve got a head start in a language—maybe you’re in Spanish 3 by 9th grade and finish with Spanish 4 by sophomore year. Is it okay to stop there?
The answer is: It depends.
Many colleges will be fine with you not continuing, especially if you’ve reached the highest level your school offers.
But some admissions officers might prefer to see you challenge yourself further by branching out and learning a new language—say, Mandarin 1 and 2 in your junior and senior years.
The idea here is that you’re showing colleges you’re intellectually curious and open to new ideas and cultures. It’s less about fulfilling a requirement and more about demonstrating your willingness to grow.
Does computer science count as a language?
Short answer: Typically, no.
While some states (like Texas and Georgia) may count it as fulfilling a language requirement (after all, programming is often described as a language!), most colleges do not.
World languages fold in far more culturally-immersive, conversational and interpersonal elements than a computer science course, which has a more technical focus.
So don’t assume that coding classes will replace Spanish or French on your transcript.
What if my school has limited language options?
If your school offers limited language options, don’t panic! There are plenty of ways to keep your language skills up. Consider taking an online language course or even enrolling in a community college language class. The bonus here is that many of these classes will offer in-person conversational practice, which can really boost your proficiency and give you the chance to interact with a more diverse group of people across different ages and backgrounds.
Special thanks for writing this blog post.
Tom Campbell (he/him) is an eternally extra Gemini who has spent the past seven years helping students and families navigate the college admissions process—one alliterative/assonant aphorism at a time. Prior to joining College Essay Guy, he worked as a college counselor at Lakeside School and an admissions officer at Pomona College and College of the Holy Cross (his alma mater). He stans em dashes and semicolons, Kacey Musgraves (all eras, not just star crossed and Golden Hour), superior breakfast burritos, and complaining about space tourism.
Top Values: Authenticity | Fun | Vulnerability
Renee Ferrerio With 30+ years of experience as a school and college counselor, including having been a Director of College Counseling at an independent school and the Department Chair of Counseling at a public school, Renee possesses a wealth of college admission knowledge. She has assisted hundreds of students in pursuing colleges that best fit their goals and aspirations while remaining actively engaged in the field through regional and national professional organizations. Having visited 220 colleges in person, Renee approaches the art of guiding students with a blend of humor and meticulous research, exploring the expansive possibilities in the arena of post-secondary education. As a first-generation college graduate, Renee intimately understands the challenges that students face in navigating the intricate landscape of college admission.
Morgan Phillips Morgan’s career spans 20+ years as a college counselor, admission officer, and application reader. She has helped students reach a full range of goals: applying to highly selective colleges, finding and following niche academic interests, and figuring out how to broaden (or balance) a college list! She was recognized as a ‘Counselor That Changes Lives’ (2021) by the Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) organization. Morgan embraces the CTCL approach of dedication to college counseling practices that promote “a college search that focuses on the individual student and finding a college that will cultivate the student's lifelong love of learning.”
Susan Kastner Tree is a native New Yorker whose career in college admissions has included working both in selective college admissions and as a secondary school college counselor. Following her graduation from St. Lawrence University with a BS in Psychology, Susan moved to New England where she worked for twelve years as Associate Dean of Admissions at Bates College. She completed her Master’s degree in School Counseling at the University of Southern Maine and for the next 25 years worked with students from around the world as the Director of College Counseling at a college prep day and boarding school near Philadelphia. Since stepping out of that role, Susan has evaluated applications for two selective research universities and serves as College Essay Guy’s lead college counselor. Susan is a founding board member of the Character Collaborative, the Independent Curriculum Group, and the college access organization GoToCollege NYC; she has served on the Counselor Advisory committees of the College Board, the Educational Testing Service (ETS), and the Common Application. Her twins are recent college graduates.
Top Values: Empowerment | Family | Faith
Stephanie Metruk has over 15 years of experience in enrollment management and college counseling. Her expertise spans national and international admissions, honors program selection, and prestigious scholarship coordination. With over eight years dedicated to admissions roles, Stephanie has meticulously reviewed applications for diverse institutions, offering invaluable guidance to students navigating their college searches.
As the former associate director for college counseling at a prestigious international boarding and day school near Baltimore, Stephanie empowered hundreds of students to confidently navigate the complexities of the college application process. Her dedication to excellence earned her recognition, including the PCACAC Counselor of the Year Award. Stephanie's mission is to empower families and students with the knowledge and transparency needed for informed decisions about their educational journeys. Through her work, she strives to ensure that families are not just happy, but truly fulfilled with their educational choices.
Adrienne Spraggins (she/her) has over a decade of experience in selective college admissions, as both a college admissions counselor and a high school counselor. She previously served as a Senior Admissions Counselor at Vanderbilt University, where she evaluated thousands of applications while also being charged with various recruitment initiatives. Most recently, Adrienne has counseled high school students in a selective private school in Nashville, where she aims to help students and families navigate all aspects of the college search and application process. Before entering into college counseling, Adrienne earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Delaware and a M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Peabody at Vanderbilt University. Outside of her work, Adrienne is a highly accomplished professional figure skater and coach, having toured and performed in various countries around the globe. She also loves running, writing and keeping up with her two daughters.
Jay Zhang brings over a decade of dedicated experience in college admissions consulting, specializing in University of California (UC) admissions and guiding students aspiring to STEM majors such as pre-med, engineering, and computer science. As a former application reader and interviewer for UCLA’s Alumni Scholarships Program, Jay has a sharp eye for what makes applicants stand out at top institutions. With a strength-based counseling style, Jay collaborates closely with both students and parents to craft comprehensive, tailored college plans. He values and encourages parental involvement, creating a team approach that supports students at every stage. Holding a PPS credential, Jay goes beyond academics to help students with time management, stress management, and character development, recognizing that a well-rounded approach is key to success. As a certified Strong Interest Inventory counselor, Jay helps students identify and align their unique strengths with potential majors and career paths. His students have achieved admission to all Ivy League schools, every UC campus, and top private colleges such as Stanford, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Duke, Rice, Carnegie Mellon, NYU, USC and more. Jay’s mission is not just to help students reach their dream schools but also to empower them with confidence and skills for a bright future. As a Southern California native, Jay loves spending his free time at the beach or taking long afternoon hikes. Some of his favorite spots include Newport Beach and Crystal Cove. He’s got a lot of interests, from watching anime and sports to traveling and discovering the latest food trends on TikTok.
