The Best Classes to Take in High School for College Readiness
Do you have questions about the best classes to take in high school for college readiness? The St. Agnes college counseling team has suggestions to help narrow down your options!
Preparing for college can feel overwhelming for high school students and their families. Thankfully, college preparatory schools like St. Agnes Academy equip students for their higher education endeavors while empowering parents to effectively support their young scholars.
High school classes provide the foundation for college success – both in terms of academic knowledge and the skills needed to navigate the complexities of college life. So, it’s crucial for high school students to cultivate a class schedule that will adequately prepare them for college and beyond.
Taking challenging and diverse courses during high school is one of the best ways for students to improve their college admissions prospects and lay a firm foundation for higher education success.
Let’s explore some of the best classes to take in high school for college so that you are prepared for your future academic endeavors.
What are the Best Classes to Take in High School for College?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for college readiness. All students have different strengths and excel in different areas of study.
At St. Agnes, our team is passionate about helping students assess their strengths and developing academic plans that reflect those strong suits. Nevertheless, there are specific courses we highly recommend students invest in during their school years to maximize their college preparedness and round out their existing skill sets.
Here are a few courses we suggest students consider incorporating into your high school curriculum plans.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
Experts have long suggested that enrolling in AP classes is one of the most effective ways to prepare for college. These upper level courses offer students the chance to challenge themselves while earning potential college credits if they score well on their AP exams.
AP courses offer advanced and accelerated curricula and often cover high-level information at a rate that mirrors college courses.
AP classes are available in many subjects – from math and science to social studies and literature – so students can earn college credits in several areas that reflect their academic strengths. A few examples of AP classes available to college-bound students include:
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP Calculus AB or BC
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP U.S. History
- AP Human Geography
- AP Music Theory
At the conclusion of an AP course, students have the option to sit for a standardized AP exam that tests their understanding and retention of information covered throughout the year.
AP exams are not typically required or considered as part of a students’ college admissions portfolio. However, many colleges and universities award students with course credits for high AP scores.
- Example: if you score a 5 on your AP English Literature exam, your future college or university may be willing to credit you for one college level class.
Taking and scoring well on AP exams is a great way for students to proactively reduce their college course load, saving time and money. Students who obtain high scores in multiple subject areas may even be able to accelerate their courses of study during college and graduate a semester early during their senior year.
Foreign Language Classes
In our increasingly global society, foreign language education is another critical area to focus on for college readiness. Many colleges have a foreign language requirement, but in some cases, students may be able to test out of college foreign language classes if they took corresponding courses in high school.
Additionally, taking foreign language courses in high school can help prepare you for being a more engaged global citizen, which reflects well on college applications. Many businesses now specifically seek to hire bi-lingual employees, so honing your foreign language skills early can make you more employable in the future.
Proficiency in a second language may be especially beneficial for those pursuing majors in the social sciences, international relations, global public health, or general business.
Mathematics and Science Courses
Strong math and science skills are critical for success in many college programs, particularly for students interested in pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields.
STEM careers are rapidly gaining popularity, and their earning potential has made them highly desirable for students from various academic and professional backgrounds.
For this reason, we highly recommend that students who are interested in pursuing careers in STEM enroll in AP courses in mathematics (such as AP Calculus or AP Statistics) and science (AP Biology, Chemistry, or Physics).
These courses, while rigorous, can set students up for future success in their future-related coursework. You will also be on the right track to success in your eventual college STEM classes.
Even students who are not passionate about STEM fields can benefit from taking advanced math, science, and computer science classes. These classes encourage problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which are crucial in a wide range of industries and careers.
Students who take AP math and science classes and score well on the related exams can also exchange those high scores for college credit to chip away at the often burdensome general education requirements of many higher education institutions.
Electives and Extracurricular Courses
The St. Agnes team is passionate about encouraging students to become as well-rounded as possible. While core courses are essential to this well-roundedness, students should not overlook the value of electives and extracurricular courses when preparing for college.
Elective courses in subjects like music, fine art, theater, and dance can help you develop specialized skills that will serve you well in your future endeavors. College admissions officers also look for well-roundedness when reviewing students’ applications, so it’s important to explore all your interests beyond the core academic curriculum.
Need Help Preparing for College?
The right high school courses can significantly impact a student’s academic journey. Still, there are several considerations to keep in mind when planning for your academic future beyond these walls at St. Agnes.
Whether you’re focusing on AP courses, foreign language studies, or elective credits, making informed choices about your high school schedule can set the stage for future success in college and beyond.
If you need help understanding the ins and outs of planning your schedule or are interested in learning more about how St. Agnes prepares its students for fulfilling and successful college experiences, reach out today to speak to a member of our college counseling team.
Let’s discuss the best classes to take in high school for college readiness that suits you!
