What does your transcript say about you? The classes you choose to take speak volumes to an admissions committee about the kind of student you are and where your passions lie.
When it comes to reviewing your transcript, admission officers do not just care about your GPA—they pay careful attention to the courses you chose to take within the context of your school’s offerings. This means that they will look at the array of classes that were offered to you to understand whether you took advantage of opportunities to challenge yourself and explore coursework in your area of interest. Perhaps the most important thing to demonstrate to admissions committees is that you chose classes that both spurred your academic growth and allowed you to explore your interests in a rigorous environment.
For many high school students, course selection takes place in the late winter or early spring. For others, course selection occurs in late summer or fall. No matter when course selection occurs at your school, if you are wondering how to build a transcript that will allow you stand out to top colleges and universities, here is our expert guidance on the course selection process:
Take AP, IB, and Honors Courses
Universities value academic rigor in high school. If you plan to apply to top universities, you should take AP, IB or honors level courses. If your school doesn’t offer AP or IB classes, you should elect to take the most challenging classes that they do offer, regardless of the attached label. Ideally, you should pursue a greater number of accelerated and advanced classes with each passing year, ensuring that each year is more challenging than the last.
While we recommend taking the greatest number of advanced classes possible, you should also be honest with yourself as you choose the classes you will take in the coming years. Set yourself up for success by taking advanced classes in topics you know you will succeed in. If you tend to struggle in science courses, taking AP Chemistry is likely not the best option, especially if it will impact your performance in your other AP classes.
If you are confident that you can handle the higher workload in advanced classes and receive the best grades possible, take more advanced classes. Ideally, you should take advanced classes that are related to your intended major—like your activities list, your course load should convey your skills and interests to admissions officers, and contribute to your overall hook.
In addition, it is important to excel on end-of-year exams—strong test scores reflect the quality of the class and the student’s level of preparation and knowledge. Earning an A in AP United States History but only a 2 or 3 on the AP exam will call your course’s actual rigor into question. Additionally, depending on the schools to which you are applying, you may be able to submit high test scores for college course credit.
KEY TIP
Many students ask whether it is better to get a B+ in an honors class or an A in a regular class. Unfortunately, the answer is neither—it is always better to get an A in an honors class. That being said, it is crucial to set yourself up for success, so you should strive to take advanced classes in the subjects in which you will succeed!
Take Core Courses all 4 Years of High School
The Five Core Courses:
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- English
- Math
- Science
- History/Social Science
- Foreign language
Most universities publish the minimum number of years a student needs to take core subjects in order to be qualified for admission. Not all universities require students to take a minimum of four years in all of these subjects, but most competitive and successful applicants to top-tier universities take all of their core classes throughout all four years of high school.
That being said, some students take all of the language classes offered by their high school by the time they reach junior year. For example, some students take AP Spanish in their junior year, and their school does not offer another level of Spanish for them to take during their senior year. This is the one instance for which a student may substitute a core class for an elective, unless the student is particularly interested in studying a language in college. In this case, we recommend that these students take Spanish at a nearby community college or online.
KEY TIP
Take the same single foreign language throughout all four years of high school. Do not plan to take one foreign language for three years and then switch to an introductory class in another language the fourth year.
Take Advantage of Electives
Taking more specialized elective classes will add personality to your transcript and allow you to demonstrate your unique academic interests. Taking 1-2 electives per year can help students explore specialized subjects. For example, a for-credit independent study, an elective on oceanography, or specialized modern history classes can all add a unique personal element to a transcript.
You should plan to take elective classes that align with your intended major, as these courses can also help you develop skills that will be useful in future jobs and internships. If you plan to major in history, you should take a few AP or IB history classes or unique history electives. If you plan to go into STEM, you should take a computer science or an advanced biology or chemistry course. Taking classes related to your interests demonstrates intellectual curiosity and will show colleges that you are passionate about your intended field of study.
Keep in mind that electives can offer a great opportunity to take a supplemental class with a faculty member who may provide a letter of recommendation on your behalf, so pay particular attention to the instructors for potential electives.
Dual enrollment classes at your local university or community colleges are also great opportunities to explore unique coursework not offered by your high school. Additionally, you can seek out pre-college programs, MOOCs, and Coursera classes to explore academic subjects not offered at your high school. These alternate options will allow you to learn about a subject of interest more in-depth, especially if it is in your intended field of study. Universities regard this initiative as a sign of an applicant’s self-motivation and investment in their own learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best electives to take in high school for college?
The best electives to take in high school for college depend on your academic interests, career goals, and school curriculum. Consider electives that align with your intended major or field of study, as well as courses that demonstrate your initiative to make the most of your school’s offerings. Additionally, elective courses can be great opportunities to deepen your relationships with teachers who will write your letters of recommendation.
What classes should I take in high school as a freshman?
As a freshman in high school, focus on building a strong academic foundation by taking core courses in English, mathematics, foreign language, science, and social studies. Consider enrolling in introductory-level courses in subjects of interest, such as the fine arts or technology. Explore elective options that align with your interests and goals to begin shaping your academic trajectory.
What classes should I take in high school as a sophomore?
In your sophomore year of high school, continue to build upon your academic foundation by taking more challenging courses in core subjects like English, mathematics, science, foreign language and social studies. Consider advancing to higher-level courses or enrolling in honors or Advanced Placement (AP) classes if available. If your school does not offer these, enroll in other more advanced coursework. Additionally, explore elective courses that align with your interests and strengths to further tailor your academic experience.
What classes should I take in high school as a junior?
Junior year is a critical point in your high school career when it comes to demonstrating your academic skill set. If you have not already enrolled in AP, IB, or honors courses, this is the time to do so. Taking challenging coursework in your intended field of study is particularly important, as it will show colleges your preparedness for college classes in the major you wish to pursue. Finally, if you intend to take the ACT, make an effort to take a higher-level math course such as precalculus, as it will prepare you for the more advanced math you will see on the test.
What classes should I take in high school as a senior?
During your senior year of high school, prioritize taking challenging courses that showcase your academic abilities and readiness for college. Continue to enroll in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors courses in subjects of strength, and complete any remaining core requirements. Additionally, consider pursuing independent study projects, internships, or dual enrollment opportunities to further explore your academic interests and prepare for college-level coursework.
What classes should I take in high school to be a nurse?
To prepare for a career in nursing, high school students should focus on taking a rigorous academic course load that is particularly focused on the maths and sciences. If offered by your school, enroll in health science or anatomy courses to gain a deeper understanding of the human body and medical terminology. Elective courses in psychology, sociology, or communication can also be beneficial for developing interpersonal and communication skills essential for nursing practice.
What classes should I take in high school to be a doctor?
High school students aspiring to become doctors should prioritize taking advanced science courses, including biology, chemistry, and physics. Additionally, consider enrolling in mathematics courses such as calculus or statistics to develop quantitative reasoning skills. Elective courses in health science, anatomy, and psychology can provide valuable insight into the medical field and help prepare students for the rigor of medical school.
What classes should I take in high school to be a lawyer?
To prepare for a career in law, high school students should focus on developing strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills. Core courses in English, history, and government can help build a solid foundation for legal studies. If your school has a mock trial or debate team, participating in these activities can help you build essential skills for the law profession. Students who do not have access to these clubs should consider taking the initiative and starting one themselves!
What classes should I take in high school to be an engineer?
High school students interested in pursuing a career in engineering should prioritize taking advanced mathematics and science courses, including calculus, physics, and chemistry. If possible, enroll in engineering-related courses such as computer science, robotics, or drafting to gain practical skills and exposure to engineering concepts. Electives in technology, design, or problem-solving can also be beneficial for aspiring engineers.
What classes should I take in high school to be a psychologist?
To prepare for a career in psychology, high school students should focus on taking courses in psychology, sociology, and biology to gain a foundational understanding of human behavior and the biological basis of mental processes. Enroll in AP or IB Psychology if your school offers the course. Additionally, enroll in courses in statistics or research methods to develop quantitative and analytical skills essential for psychological research.
What classes should I take in high school to be a dentist?
High school students interested in pursuing a career in dentistry should focus on taking advanced science courses, including biology, chemistry, and anatomy. Electives in health science, physiology, or nutrition can also provide valuable preparation for dental school.
What classes should I take in high school to be an architect?
Students who dream of becoming architects should first and foremost prioritize classes that focus on critical thinking and problem solving skills. While many students assume that math and science courses will offer the best preparation for architecture school, art and design classes (whether fine arts, studio arts, or graphic design) are just as important for their preparation, as such courses give them access and exposure to software—particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and/or SketchUp.
What classes should I take in high school to get into the Ivy League?
To increase your chances of admission to Ivy League schools, high school students should focus on taking a rigorous academic course load that includes advanced placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or honors courses, particularly in their field of interest. Demonstrating commitment to your core passion, a desire to challenge yourself, and your ability to rise to the demands of rigorous coursework are critical to stand out in the landscape of Ivy League admissions.
