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WHERE DO I START?

Get an early start on the necessary steps of preparation for college.


Steps of Preparation

College preparation is about more than just classes and grades. It’s also about becoming a person who can succeed in a competitive environment.

Here’s what you can do NOW to get ready for college:

  • Take challenging and interesting courses—Part of preparing for college is taking the right classes for middle school. Courses such as English, algebra, foreign language, and technology will better prepare you for more challenging courses in high school.
  • Do your best in school—Develop strong study habits that help you earn good grades and high test scores, not only in middle school but also in high school and college!
  • Know your options—Investigate which high schools or special programs will most benefit your future interests. In addition to core courses, find out what electives are offered at your high school.
  • Get involved—Look into school- or community-based extracurricular activities that let you explore your interests and make new friends.

If you’re 13 or older, create a MyFSA account and use our Student Planner to get organized! If you’re younger than 13, talk with your parent about creating an account for you.


Two male students studying in school library

Recommended High School Courses

Although each college has its own admissions requirements, the specific classes here typically meet the expectations of a four-year college.

Your “core” courses are the foundation for your high school education.

CORE COURSES
School Course Years Types of Classes Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) Requirements*
ENGLISH 4 Composition
American Literature
English Literature
World Literature 		4 years of English
MATHEMATICS 3–4 Algebra I**
Algebra II
Geometry
Trigonometry
Precalculus
Calculus 		3 years of math
(including Algebra I and higher-level courses such as Algebra II, geometry, or data and statistics)
SOCIAL STUDIES 2–3 Geography
Civics
U.S. History
U.S. Government
World History
World Cultures 		3 years of social studies
SCIENCE 2–3 Biology
Chemistry
Earth Science
Physics 		3 years of science
(including at least one year each of two of the following: biology, chemistry, or physics)

*You’ll also need to take one year of a foreign language other than English to complete the ACG requirements.

**You may want to take Algebra I before high school so that you are ready to take advanced math and science courses later in high school.


Electives

Electives are school courses that you are not required to take for graduation. Take electives that give you the opportunity to study something that interests you.

Try something new, particularly foreign languages and computer courses, and take advantage of all the opportunities your high school has to offer.

EXAMPLES OF ELECTIVES
Course Years Types of Classes
FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2–4 Spanish
Arabic
Mandarin
Latin
French
German
Japanese
Russian
VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS 1 Art
Dance
Drama
Music
OTHER ELECTIVES 2–4 Computer Science
Economics
Psychology
Statistics
Astronomy
Research Projects and Independent Study


Extracurricular Activities: Getting Involved!

Extracurricular activities are organized student activities associated with school, but you don’t get grades or academic credit for participating in them. Colleges want well-rounded students who seem likely to participate in and contribute to their college communities.

Get involved in extracurricular activities. Start with what interests you.

  • Like sports? Join a school or local team.
  • Like writing? Write for a school or community newspaper or magazine.
  • Like music? Learn how to play an instrument or join a choral group.
  • Like science? Compete in science fairs or join a science club.


If there is something you’d like to do, but your school doesn’t offer it, don’t worry. Local community, religious, and social groups also offer extracurricular options.

If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, get some friends together and start your own club!


Wondering who can help you on your way to college? Click here!


Last updated/reviewed January 5, 2009

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