As your child plans their high school journey, the courses they choose each year can have a big impact—not only on college admissions but on their preparation for college academics and long-term goals. Thoughtful planning, strong academics, and balance are key. Here’s how to help your student build a strong academic foundation.
Attend our upcoming webinar to learn more about CHOOSING HIGH SCHOOL COURSES STRATEGICALLY.
🎙️Listen to these conversations on Course Selection For Highly Selective Admissions and Choosing High School Math Courses Strategically on the Tests and the Rest podcast.
Why Course Choices Matter
Colleges carefully review high school transcripts to see both the rigor and consistency of a student’s coursework over all four years. It’s not just what your student earns in grades, but what courses they take relative to what’s available at their school. Admissions officers look for students who challenge themselves and make steady academic progress.
Building a Strong Academic Core
Most colleges expect a solid, four-year sequence across core subject areas. Encouraging your student to complete these can strengthen their academic profile:
Core Subjects to Prioritize
✔ English / Language Arts – every year
✔ Math – aim for four years, progressing to precalculus or higher
✔ Science – biology, chemistry, and physics recommended
✔ Social Studies / History – including U.S. history and government
✔ World Language – at least three years in the same language
These subjects build essential skills—critical thinking, analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and cultural literacy—that colleges value and support college coursework.
Challenge with Balance
While rigorous courses can help demonstrate readiness for college:
🎓 Choose the most advanced level they can handle without hurting grades.
Honors, AP, IB, and dual-enrollment classes send a signal to admissions that your student is ready for college-level work—but only if they succeed in those classes. A rigorous schedule with strong grades is better than an overloaded schedule with poor performance.
📅 Maintain a year-to-year progression.
Admissions officers prefer to see that students take increasingly challenging courses as they progress from freshman to senior year.
Electives & Exploration
Electives aren’t just filler—when chosen strategically, they can support your student’s interests and future major.
📌 Academic Electives like AP Psychology, computer science, economics, or statistics strengthen readiness and broaden skills.
📌 Interest-Driven Courses can help clarify passions and inform college major decisions. These are especially valuable when they connect to extracurricular involvement or future career goals.
Special Opportunities
🎓 Dual Enrollment / College Courses
If available, these let your student earn real college credit while still in high school—boosting academic confidence and possibly saving time and money later.
👥 Talk with Counselors Early
High school counselors can help map out a complete four-year plan that meets graduation requirements, supports college goals, and fits your student’s strengths and interests.
Practical Tips for Parents
✔ Start early. Planning courses as a freshman sets the foundation.
✔ Balance challenge with success. Push for rigorous courses, but not at the expense of your child’s well-being or GPA.
✔ Review graduation requirements. Ensure core classes and electives align with both school and college expectations.
✔ Know your student. Strengths, interests, and workload capacity should shape choices.
✔ Check prerequisites. Some advanced courses require prior coursework; plan ahead to avoid missing any requirements.
In Summary
Strategic course selection helps your student:
✨ Build a strong academic transcript
✨ Stand out in admissions reviews
✨ Prepare for college expectations
✨ Grow confidence in college-level skills
Choosing classes thoughtfully is one of the most impactful academic decisions your teenager can make. Support them with planning, encouragement, and regular check-ins with their counselor to make sure each year builds toward college readiness and success.
If your student would like help with planning their high school courses, and you’d like expert guidance, we invite you to schedule a free discovery call with our college advising team. Learn more here.