In Indian high school, we can’t choose our high school courses. They are all mandatory. Except after 10th grade, you have to choose a stream. You can choose Math-Physics-Chemistry or Biology-Physics-Chemistry. These two are the most chosen options. There are other options like History, Civics etc but many students don’t choose them.
In the US, you can pick which classes you want to attend.
In my 9th grade, I studied Telugu, Hindi, English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Social Studies(Geography,History, Civics, Economics) This list was the same for my 10th grade too. Actually, I have been learning the same subjects since 3rd grade.
In my 11th grade, I studied English, French, Maths, Physics, Chemistry. It will be the same for my 12th too.
Now, Boston university requires some coursework:
Subject Required Years
English 4
Math 3
Science 3
Foreign Language 2
Social Studies 3
History
Electives
The question is ‘Is this the same for me?’ The courses were mandatory, so we learned them all. I’m just confused about this coursework requirements. So I think I fulfilled the coursework requirements for most of the colleges I’m considering. Is this right?
Are Telugu and Hindi considered foreign languages? Telugu is the first language here and Hindi is the national language. So, they’re not foreign to me. Do I consider them as foreign languages? I took French in 11th grade. I’ll do the same in 12th too.
Thanks in advance for clarifying my doubts!!
The only flaw I see here is the amount of Social Studies classes you’be taken. If Geography, History, Civics, and Economics were 4 separate classes then you’re fine. Also, I don’t believe HindI and Telugu would be considered a foreign language in your case. Make sure you take another year of French.
No,they’re not. They are like sub-categories in our Social Studies book. Even the Math part. We need to show that we have taken some tough courses, but how can I do that? We have very tough topics. We have calculus,trigonometry, and everything. In US high schools you can say that you took these courses, but how can I do that? We have it named as Math 1A and Math 1B
In the US, trigonometry is covered under Algebra 2, it would be incorrect to say that it is its own class.
Here, if you’ve gotten up to Calculus, here is what you’d have taken:
Pre Algebra
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre Calculus
Calculus
However, when applying, the best thing to do would be to write the name of the course you took, and in parentheses write what it covered.if you’ve taken three classes in Math in high school, only write down 3 courses of math, regardless of what the course has covered.
Also, in regards to Social Studies, taking two classes will only count as two credits of social studies, regardless of what has been taught in the class. BU might be able to waive you off the three credit requirement if you write an email to admissions about your dilemma, but your best bet would be to apply to schools requiring only 2 years of Social Studies.
You’ll be evaluated according to your national/state curriculum - English will be considered a foreign language, as will French. The recommendations are for Americans, guiding them to pick rigorous coursework every year (vs. a schedule filled with 5 classes like Culinary Arts and Choir, but no math or no foreign language and no science… Yes some students in the US do that. A good balance in the US is 5-6 academic classes and 1 “fun” class).
@MYOS1634 English isn’t considered a foreign language in Indian education either. Indian education has 3-4 native languages (Hindi, English, Official State Language, and sometimes Sanskrit.)
Even though English isn’t considered a foreign language, if you speak 3 languages fluently and one at the lower intermediate level, you’re absolutely fine, more than fine 