Regardless of the college or university you apply to, you will want to do everything you can to prepare yourself for the rigors of a college curriculum. The best way to prepare is to take the most challenging schedule possible for your ability level while in high school. Think about the subject areas you like and are interested in. Talk with your parents about the choices that are available to you. Talk to your current teachers about the work you are doing now and what future courses will cover.

You will be meeting with your guidance counselor in March to review you high school program and to plan your following year’s schedule. A course selection worksheet and booklet is given out for students to make choices in regards to their schedule. Recommendations are given for Math, Science and Foreign Language from the student’s current teacher. English and History follow New York State standards unless a student is planning to take an Advanced Placement Level course.

A recommendation from their current teacher is only needed for Science, Math and Foreign Language to enroll in Honor or Advanced Placement level coursework.
In order to be selected for an English or History Advanced Placement course, a placement exam, teacher recommendation and current satisfactory grade in class are all requirements.
Placement exams for English and History are given in mid March and all are welcome to sit for them.

Deadline for submittal of course selection sheets are generally one week after they have sat with their guidance counselor. A parent’s signature is required and a late fee will be charged if not handed in on time.

Any change of schedule must be approved by administration.


COLLEGE PREPARATION:

Most admission offices will be looking for a solid background in English, mathematics, social studies, lab sciences, and foreign languages. Each institution will have slightly different specific requirements, but in general, the more courses in each of these subject areas (and the higher level of courses), the more prepared you will be for your college career. If you are interested in specific subject areas (e.g. theater, music, business, computers, art), you should feel free to take courses in these areas. However, courses in these subject areas should not replace the core academic areas listed above, only supplement them.

Your senior year course selection is also an important component in determining admission. Keep in mind that because you senior year is your last preparatory year before going off to college, you will want to have the most challenging schedule possible. While you may have worked hard throughout your high school career, most colleges and universities will expect you to maintain (if not increase) the level of rigor in you senior year program. Taking fewer academic courses or decreasing the level of the courses (e.g. dropping advanced courses) in the senior year will only make the transition to college more difficult for you. It might also make your application less attractive to admission committees.


For more information visit:

College Board