Creating a Solid Academic Portfolio

 

Your course schedule may seem like a random selection of classes to you, but college admissions officers see it as the blueprint of your high school education. They are looking for a solid foundation of learning that you can build upon in college.

We suggest that students take at least five solid academic classes every semester. The following subjects and classes are standard fare for success in high school and beyond, whether you plan to attend a four-year, two-year, or technical school or enter the workforce upon graduation.

 

English (Language Arts)
Take English every year. Traditional courses such as American and English Literature help you improve your writing skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary.

  • Literature
  • Writing/composition and/or speech

Math
To succeed on college entrance exams, in college math classes and many careers, you need Algebra and Geometry. If you take them early on, you will be able to enroll in advanced science and math courses and demonstrate to colleges you are ready for higher-level work.

  • Algebra I
  • Geometry
  • Algebra II
  • Trigonometry and/or Calculus

Science
Science teaches you to think analytically and to apply theories to observations of the natural world. Laboratory classes let you test what you have learned through hands-on work. Six semesters are recommended

  • Biology
  • Chemistry and/or Physics
  • Earth/Space Sciences
  • Advanced Biology, Advanced Chemistry or Advanced Physics

Social Studies
Understand local and world events that are happening now by studying the culture and history that has shaped them. Social sciences round out your core curriculum.

  • U.S. History
  • World History
  • U.S. Government
  • Economics

Foreign Languages
Solid foreign language study demonstrates to colleges you are willing to stretch beyond the basics. Many colleges require at least two consecutive years of one foreign language study and some prefer more.

The Arts
Research indicated that students who participate in the arts often do better in school and on standardized tests. The arts help you recognize patterns, discern differences and similarities and exercise your mind in unique ways, often outside of a traditional classroom setting.

Computer Courses
More and more college courses and jobs require at least a basic knowledge of computers. Computer skills also can help you do research and schoolwork better and faster.