High School Course Planning: Think Rubber Band + Long-Term Plan

When it comes to high school course planning, students and parents often feel overwhelmed by the choices and expectations. The goal should be to create a curriculum that challenges the student while ensuring they remain successful and engaged. As a high school counselor once told me, “Imagine a rubber band between your hands; as you separate your hands, there is tension. We want to plan a curriculum with no slack in the rubber band and some tension left so the student is successful and challenged.”

Understanding College Expectations

Colleges want to see that students are not coasting through high school but are pushing themselves to grow academically. While each college has its specific expectations, highly selective schools generally look for:

• Four years of core subjects, including English, math, social studies, science, and world language.

  • Note: The University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill is an exception regarding World Language. For admissions to UNC, fewer than 3 years of study is acceptable, but they prefer 3 or more years.

Tailoring Courses to Future Majors

High school course selection should align with the student’s future interests and intended major when possible. Here’s how students can strategically plan their coursework:

1. STEM Majors

• Engineering: Prioritize AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and computer science.

• Health/Life Sciences: Focus on anatomy & physiology, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and advanced math classes. Both sociology and psychology are helpful.

2. Business Majors

• Take precalculus at a minimum, calculus (preferred), statistics, macro/micro economics, and business-related (accounting/marketing) courses, including Microsoft Excel. These classes will build essential skills and demonstrate an early commitment to the field. Additionally, computer science is helpful.

3. Architecture Majors

• Enroll in art, physics, and design courses, and if possible, learn CAD (Computer-Aided Design).

• Be aware that many architecture programs require a portfolio, so students should start compiling their work early.

Exploring Interests Beyond the Classroom

More selective colleges that admit by major look for students who demonstrate a “fit to major,” meaning they have explored their academic interests outside the classroom. This can be done through:

• Internships or job shadowing

• Independent projects or research

• Participation in relevant clubs or organizations

• Summer programs or competitions in their chosen field

Dual Enrollment: Does it make sense?

Dual Enrollment (DE) allows high school students to take college courses, often for both high school and college credit. However, it’s important to consider whether DE is the right path for each student.

• Goals Matter: Students should ask themselves what they hope to achieve through DE. Is it to explore a college-level subject, boost GPA, or gain credits early?

• Highly Selective Schools: These institutions prefer Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses over DE due to the standardized nature of AP/IB. DE classes tend to have less rigor.

• Permanent Grades: DE grades become part of the student’s permanent college record; unlike high school grades, they never disappear when applying to college or grad school.

• GPA Boost: Many high schools offer weighted GPA boosts for DE courses, which can help improve class rank and overall GPA.

• Public school students typically use the Career and College Program (CCP) for DE. However, others may enroll in college and take classes not under CCP.

• Resource: Dual Enrollment: Is It the Right Path for Your High School Journey?

Additional Resources

For additional insight into high school course planning and college admissions, consider these valuable resources:

• IECA-What-Colleges-Look-For-flyer.pdf

• The Truth about College Admission: The Truth About the College Admission Landscape - Michael Horn on Apple Podcasts

• The Wild West of Dual Enrollment: Its Growth, Benefits, and Drawbacks - Future U Podcast

• 50-State Comparison: Dual/Concurrent Enrollment Policies - Education Commission of the States (ecs.org)

• AP Overload: Balancing Academic Rigor & Student Well-Being

• How to Stand Out When A is the Average Grade

Final Thoughts

High school course planning is a balancing act. Students should aim for a curriculum that stretches them academically without overwhelming them. By thoughtfully selecting courses and exploring interests in and out of the classroom, students can build a high school transcript that meets college expectations and prepares them for future success.