DEFINITION of ACADEMIC PREPARATION:
Academic preparation refers to all coursework and other scholastic experiences that a student takes on during his or her high school career.

THE BOTTOM LINE
Along with test scores, admissions officials say that the “rigor of students’ coursework” and the grades they receive in those courses are the most important factors in determining their admission to colleges.

ACADEMIC PREPARATION IN HIGH SCHOOL
Many colleges require or recommend that students take academically rich courses, sometimes known as college preparatory or “solids.” Solid courses are the most rigorous courses offered by high schools, usually in the fields of English, history, social studies, foreign languages, mathematics, science and some of the arts.

adMISSION POSSIBLE® TIP! Colleges often look first to excellent grades in English classes and high verbal scores as a predictor of future college success.

To make sure that you meet the college entrance requirements and recommendations for most colleges, here is the high school curriculum that many colleges require or recommend for students:

SUBJECT	REQUIRED & RECOMMENDED	COURSES
ENGLISH	4 Years
MATH	3 Years (4 recommended)	Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-calculus, Calculus
SCIENCES (including a lab)	2 Years (3 recommended)	Biology, Chemistry and Physics first, then other advanced sciences
FOREIGN LANGUAGE	2 Years (3 recommended)	Some colleges require that all language courses must be in just one language
HISTORY/ SOCIAL SCIENCES	2 Years	Many schools require Ancient, World or European History, US History, Civics and/or American Government
VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS	1 Year	Some colleges require a fine or performing arts course such as Music Theory, Video/Film, Drawing
COLLEGE PREP ELECTIVE	1 Year	Examples include Psychology, Creative Writing, Computer Science, Economics