Head of the Class
Here is a look at classes you will likely need in preparation for graduation, college and beyond!
Kelvin Sims
- Setting goals for graduation means starting off on the right foundation
- Make sure you prepare for graduation by taking right courses as a freshman
- By following a plan thru your senior year, you will be ready for a great future!
Your High School Survival Guide
Here is a look at classes you will likely need in preparation for graduation, college and beyond!
(NOTE: This is the first of a four-part series, supported by AT&T, that will help teens prepare for a successful high school career no matter what grade you are in now. With the assistance of Erica Stevens, Ph.D., senior director for Education and the Arts at BGCA and our College Prep team, here are some tips for making sure you accrue high school course credits on time.)
The end of another school year will be here before you know it! Hard to believe that another year has almost passed by. And believe it or not -- it’s already time to start thinking about the classes you will need to take next year! Whether or not you have already mapped out your high school class schedule, the tips and information below will help you make sure you are on track for graduation*, college, career -- and a GREAT FUTURE!
*Talk to your school’s guidance counselor to get additional advice and info about what your school district requires to receive a high school diploma.
Freshman year -- This is where it all begins and you have to be prepared! Here’s what you need to know:
English: You will need four years of English courses. If you are planning on attending college, four years of college prep or advanced English are recommended.
Math: You will need three or more years of math as well. For college-bound students, this may be the year to take introductory advanced math classes like Algebra. If you are pursuing a general high school diploma, other basic math classes should fit the bill.
Science: Most high schools require students to take three years of science courses. For college-bound students, taking Biology as a freshman is recommended.
Social Studies/History: Be sure to take three or more years of social science classes, starting with something like American History I.
Electives: For the college-bound student, be sure to take classes such as art, theater, debate, etc. When it comes time to apply for college admission, this will show you are well-rounded. For a general high school diploma, these courses also help you build skills, but consider classes that build life skills and/or vocational skills. Also, if English is your native language, it's recommended to take two years of a foreign language (Spanish, French, etc.).
Sophomore year -- Hopefully you have gotten many prerequisite courses out of the way!
- English: Take more advanced-level English courses like college-prep English II. And I know the weekend is for relaxing, but push yourself to read books for fun, too!
- Math: Time to sharpen your skills and get more obtuse -- whoops -- we mean acute (angles)! Try your hand at advanced-level math courses such as Geometry or Algebra II.
- Science: With Biology under your belt, consider taking a more complex science course such as Chemistry.
- Electives: Study skills, debate, drama and theatre classes are all good choices. If you haven’t already, this may be a good year to start taking a foreign language class. ¿Comprende?
- College Prep: It’s time to start thinking about preparing for the SAT or ACT exam! Many local school districts or continuing education organizations offer SAT and ACT courses to help you prepare. Visit college campuses and start thinking about a field of study for college so you can plan your last years of high school courses accordingly.
Junior year -- Time to keep your eyes on the prize -- college admission! This means many of your courses will be advanced by now.
- English: Like we said earlier, you will need four years of English to achieve a high school diploma. You are halfway there!
- Math: If you’ve conquered the Pythagorean Theorem, you’re ready for advanced math such Trigonometry and Calculus.
- Science: Physics and Chemistry are the sciences recommended for college-bound students. If engineering courses are available at your school, look into those as well.
- Electives: Make sure you are taking challenging classes that will meet college admission standards. Take a second year of a foreign language, and if you haven't done so already, make sure you are taking classes like debate, drama, arts or visual arts, etc.
- College Prep: Decide when you will be taking the SAT and/or ACT. Taking it early in your junior year allows you an opportunity to take it again if you need to raise your score. Talk with your counselors to make sure that you are on track to graduate in your senior year. If necessary (and if your school allows), re-take classes where you earned a "D" or lower to strengthen your transcript.
Senior year – If you are college-bound, you should be taking all advanced-level courses. And even if you aren’t planning to attend a traditional college, make sure you will meet all graduation requirements by school year’s end. Talk to your guidance counselor to be sure you are on track!
- English: This is it! The last English class you will take … as a high school student, anyway. If you are interested, see if your school offers an Advanced Placement (AP) English class – a true way to prepare for college courses!
- Math: Here is where all your hard work adds up. Take the highest level math class you are comfortable with. There may also be AP courses offered if you are up for the challenge.
- Science: Already have Biology, Chemistry and Physics out of the way? What else does your school offer?
- Electives: Remember earlier when we mentioned the importance of being a well-rounded student? This is your last chance! Sign up for skill-building courses like debate, art, etc. Complete a second (or third, or fourth!) year of a foreign language class if you haven't already.
- College Prep: If you haven't taken a college entrance exam (SAT, ACT) yet, be sure to take it no later than the fall of your senior year so that you can have test scores available when you are completing college applications. Visit college campuses and have a solid list of schools where you plan to apply. Apply early and often! Start concentrating on an area of study. If you are considering attending a post-secondary institution other than a college or university, meet with your school counselor to determine where your interests lie and what career fields to target.
Additional tips: Dr. Stevens says: "Make good use of your summer by attending summer programs at local colleges and universities, participating in service activities and seeking internships to explore careers. And don't forget to explore the many various ways to help pay for college or other post-secondary institutions!"
Head of the Class
Here is a look at classes you will likely need in preparation for graduation, college and beyond!
- Setting goals for graduation means starting off on the right foundation
- Make sure you prepare for graduation by taking right courses as a freshman
- By following a plan thru your senior year, you will be ready for a great future!
Your High School Survival Guide
Here is a look at classes you will likely need in preparation for graduation, college and beyond!
(NOTE: This is the first of a four-part series, supported by AT&T, that will help teens prepare for a successful high school career no matter what grade you are in now. With the assistance of Erica Stevens, Ph.D., senior director for Education and the Arts at BGCA and our College Prep team, here are some tips for making sure you accrue high school course credits on time.)
The end of another school year will be here before you know it! Hard to believe that another year has almost passed by. And believe it or not -- it’s already time to start thinking about the classes you will need to take next year! Whether or not you have already mapped out your high school class schedule, the tips and information below will help you make sure you are on track for graduation*, college, career -- and a GREAT FUTURE!
*Talk to your school’s guidance counselor to get additional advice and info about what your school district requires to receive a high school diploma.
Freshman year -- This is where it all begins and you have to be prepared! Here’s what you need to know:
English: You will need four years of English courses. If you are planning on attending college, four years of college prep or advanced English are recommended.
Math: You will need three or more years of math as well. For college-bound students, this may be the year to take introductory advanced math classes like Algebra. If you are pursuing a general high school diploma, other basic math classes should fit the bill.
Science: Most high schools require students to take three years of science courses. For college-bound students, taking Biology as a freshman is recommended.
Social Studies/History: Be sure to take three or more years of social science classes, starting with something like American History I.
Electives: For the college-bound student, be sure to take classes such as art, theater, debate, etc. When it comes time to apply for college admission, this will show you are well-rounded. For a general high school diploma, these courses also help you build skills, but consider classes that build life skills and/or vocational skills. Also, if English is your native language, it's recommended to take two years of a foreign language (Spanish, French, etc.).
Sophomore year -- Hopefully you have gotten many prerequisite courses out of the way!
- English: Take more advanced-level English courses like college-prep English II. And I know the weekend is for relaxing, but push yourself to read books for fun, too!
- Math: Time to sharpen your skills and get more obtuse -- whoops -- we mean acute (angles)! Try your hand at advanced-level math courses such as Geometry or Algebra II.
- Science: With Biology under your belt, consider taking a more complex science course such as Chemistry.
- Electives: Study skills, debate, drama and theatre classes are all good choices. If you haven’t already, this may be a good year to start taking a foreign language class. ¿Comprende?
- College Prep: It’s time to start thinking about preparing for the SAT or ACT exam! Many local school districts or continuing education organizations offer SAT and ACT courses to help you prepare. Visit college campuses and start thinking about a field of study for college so you can plan your last years of high school courses accordingly.
Junior year -- Time to keep your eyes on the prize -- college admission! This means many of your courses will be advanced by now.
- English: Like we said earlier, you will need four years of English to achieve a high school diploma. You are halfway there!
- Math: If you’ve conquered the Pythagorean Theorem, you’re ready for advanced math such Trigonometry and Calculus.
- Science: Physics and Chemistry are the sciences recommended for college-bound students. If engineering courses are available at your school, look into those as well.
- Electives: Make sure you are taking challenging classes that will meet college admission standards. Take a second year of a foreign language, and if you haven't done so already, make sure you are taking classes like debate, drama, arts or visual arts, etc.
- College Prep: Decide when you will be taking the SAT and/or ACT. Taking it early in your junior year allows you an opportunity to take it again if you need to raise your score. Talk with your counselors to make sure that you are on track to graduate in your senior year. If necessary (and if your school allows), re-take classes where you earned a "D" or lower to strengthen your transcript.
Senior year – If you are college-bound, you should be taking all advanced-level courses. And even if you aren’t planning to attend a traditional college, make sure you will meet all graduation requirements by school year’s end. Talk to your guidance counselor to be sure you are on track!
- English: This is it! The last English class you will take … as a high school student, anyway. If you are interested, see if your school offers an Advanced Placement (AP) English class – a true way to prepare for college courses!
- Math: Here is where all your hard work adds up. Take the highest level math class you are comfortable with. There may also be AP courses offered if you are up for the challenge.
- Science: Already have Biology, Chemistry and Physics out of the way? What else does your school offer?
- Electives: Remember earlier when we mentioned the importance of being a well-rounded student? This is your last chance! Sign up for skill-building courses like debate, art, etc. Complete a second (or third, or fourth!) year of a foreign language class if you haven't already.
- College Prep: If you haven't taken a college entrance exam (SAT, ACT) yet, be sure to take it no later than the fall of your senior year so that you can have test scores available when you are completing college applications. Visit college campuses and have a solid list of schools where you plan to apply. Apply early and often! Start concentrating on an area of study. If you are considering attending a post-secondary institution other than a college or university, meet with your school counselor to determine where your interests lie and what career fields to target.
Additional tips: Dr. Stevens says: "Make good use of your summer by attending summer programs at local colleges and universities, participating in service activities and seeking internships to explore careers. And don't forget to explore the many various ways to help pay for college or other post-secondary institutions!"
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