FAQ: High School College Prep Base Curriculum

ucbalumnus
Tue, 30 May 2017 01:19:13 +0000

High school students aiming at highly selective colleges should consider meeting the following base curriculum that is commonly expected. Of course, additional academic electives beyond the base curriculum are fine and expected to fill in free elective space in the schedule.

English: 4 years.

Math: At least to precalculus. Students who complete precalculus in 11th grade or earlier should take calculus if available. Statistics should be considered an additional elective, not a substitute for precalculus or calculus.

History and social studies: 4 years generally preferred.

Science: 4 years including a year each of biology, chemistry, and physics. If only 3 years are taken, they should include a year each of biology, chemistry, and physics.

Foreign language: Completion of level 4 (4th year) of high school language or equivalent generally preferred; having only level 2 or lower is likely to be significantly disadvantageous.

Art or music: 1 year.

Academic electives: Select according to interest to fill free elective schedule space.

High school students aiming at less selective colleges may not need to complete as many or as high level courses as listed above for admission purposes. However, completing the pattern suggested above will prepare the student for college better than if the student only takes the minimum required high school base curriculum for the less selective college. For example, a student who does not complete precalculus in high school may have to take it as a remedial course in college, which may mean delayed graduation.