Tips for Academic Success
Create a Solid Academic Portfolio
Your course schedule may seem like a random selection of classes to you, but college admission officers see it as the blueprint of your high school education. They're looking for a solid foundation of learning that you can build on in college.
The following subjects and classes are standard fare for success in high school and beyond, whether you plan to attend a 4-year, 2-year, or technical school.
English (Language Arts)
Take English every year. Traditional courses such as American and English literature help you improve your writing skills, reading comprehension, and vocabulary.
Math
You need algebra and geometry to succeed on college entrance exams, in college math classes, and in most careers. Take them early on and you'll be able to enroll in advanced science and math in high school -- and you'll show colleges you're ready for higher-level work.
Science
Science teaches you to think analytically, and apply theories to reality. Laboratory classes let you test what you've learned through hands-on work.
Social Studies
Understand local and world events that are happening now by studying the culture and history that has shaped them. Social sciences round out your core curriculum.
Foreign Languages
Solid foreign language study shows colleges you're willing to stretch beyond the basics.
The Arts
Research indicates that students who participate in the arts often do better in school and on standardized tests. The arts help you recognize patterns, discern differences and similarities, and exercise your mind in unique ways, oftentimes outside of a traditional classroom setting.
Computer Science
More and more college courses and jobs require at least a basic knowledge of computers. Computer skills also can help you do research and schoolwork better and faster.
Advanced Placement Program
Try out college-level work, master valuable skills, and, with satisfactory grades, maybe even receive college credit. More than 1,400 higher education institutions award credit based on satisfactory AP Exam grades.
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