By Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz

Table of Contents

Definition Of Academic Preparation

The Bottom Line

Academic Preparation In High School

Recommended College Prep Courses
Definition Of Honors, AP And IB Courses

Timelines For Academic Work

Freshman Year
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year

FAQ #1: Is it better to take a regular class and get an A or an AP class and get a B?

Academic Preparation Outside Your High School

1. Individual Pursuits
2. Organized Offerings

A. Academic Competitions
B. Regional And State Talent Search Summer Programs
C. Internships
D. Distance Learning Programs And Tutorials
E. Early College Enrollment During School Year

FAQ #2: Because my schedule is so tight, I want to take an online course. Will colleges give me credit for online courses?

F. Pre-College Enrichment Programs For Underrepresented Students
G. Semester, Year-Long And Summer Programs Abroad
H. Attendance At Local College During The Regular School Year

FAQ #3: I’m not a math whiz, so I’m thinking of not taking math my senior year. How will colleges look at this decision?

I. Summer College Programs For High School Students

FAQ #4: I’m having difficulty deciding which AP classes to take. Is there such a thing as better or worse AP classes?

FAQ #5: My high school offers both AP and IB courses. Which ones are the better for me to take as far as college admissions goes?

Endnote

Recommended Resources

Websites
Books