What's a Good Academic Record for College Admissions?
Your Academic Record is the Most Important Part of Your College Application.http://collegeapps.about.com/od/theartofgettingaccepted/tp/good-academic-record.htm
By Allen Grove, About.com Guide
Almost all colleges and universities consider a good academic record to be the most important part of a strong admissions application. A good academic record, however, is about more than grades. The list below discusses some of the important features that separate a good academic record from a weaker one.
1. Good Grades in Core Subjects
To get into a top college or top university, you'd better have a transcript that is mostly 'A's. Realize that colleges don't usually look at weighted grades--they will consider grades on an unweighted 4.0 scale. Also, colleges will often recalculate your GPA to consider only core academic courses so that your GPA isn't inflated by subjects such as gym, chorus, drama or cooking. Learn more in this article on weighted GPAs.
2. Full Coverage of Core Subjects
The requirements vary from college to college, so be sure to research the requirements for each school to which you are applying. In general, however, typical requirements might look like this: 4 years of English, 3 years of math (4 years recommended), 2 years of history or social science (3 years recommended), 2 years of science (3 years recommended), 2 years of a foreign language (3 years recommended).
3. AP Classes
If your high school offers Advanced Placement classes, selective colleges will want to see that you've taken these courses. You don't need to overdo it if your school offers dozens of AP subjects, but you need to demonstrate that you're taking challenging courses. Success in AP classes, especially earning a 4 or 5 on the AP exam, is an extremely strong predictor of your ability to do well in college. Learn more in this article on why AP courses matter.
4. International Baccalaureate Classes
Like AP courses, International Baccalaureate classes (IB) cover college-level material and are measured by a standardized exam. IB courses are more common in Europe than the United States, but they are gaining popularity in the U.S. Successful completion of IB courses shows colleges that you are taking challenging classes and that you are ready for college-level work. They may also earn you college credit.
5. Honors and Other Accelerated Classes
If your school doesn't offer many AP or IB classes, does it offer honors classes or other accelerated classes? A college won't penalize you because your school offers no AP subjects, but they will want to see that you've taken the most challenging courses available to you.
6. Four Years of a Foreign Language
A lot of colleges require two or three years of a foreign language, but you'll look much more impressive if you take a full four years. College educations are emphasizing global awareness more and more, so strength in language will be a big plus for your application. Note that colleges would much rather see depth in one language than a smattering of several languages. To learn more, check out this article on foreign language requirements.
7. Four Years of Math
As with a foreign language, many schools require three years of math, not four. However, strength in math tends to impress the admissions folks. If you have the opportunity to take four years of math, ideally through calculus, your high school record will be far more impressive than that of an applicant who has covered just the minimum. Learn more in thisarticle on high school math preparation.
8. Community College or 4-Year College Classes
Depending on where you live and what your high school's policies are, you may have the opportunity to take actual college classes while in high school. If you can take a college writing or math class while in high school, the benefits are several: you'll prove that you can handle college-level work; you'll demonstrate that you like challenging yourself; and you'll most likely earn college credit that can help you graduate early, double major, or take more elective classes.
9. Rigorous Senior Year Classes
Colleges won't see your final grades from your senior year until after they've made a decision about your admission, but they do want to see that you are continuing to challenge yourself in 12th grade. If your senior year schedule suggests that you're slacking off, that will be a huge strike against you. Also, taking AP and IB courses in 12th grade can have huge benefits when you get to college.
10. Upward Trending Grades
Some teenagers figure out how to be a good student part way through high school. While low grades in your freshman and sophomore years will hurt your application, they won't hurt as much as low grades in your junior and senior years. Colleges want to see that your academic skills are improving, not deteriorating.
High School Classes Colleges Look For
From: College Boardhttps://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/your-high-school-record/high-school-classes-colleges-look-for
If you’re in high school and you’re thinking about college — and you should be — you should know that the courses you take now matter. That’s because college admission officers want to see a solid foundation of learning that you can build on in college.
To create that foundation, take at least five solid academic classes every semester. Start with the basics, and then move on to challenging yourself in advanced courses. The courses listed below should prepare you for success in college and beyond.
English (Language Arts)
Take English every year. Traditional courses, such as American and English literature, help improve your writing skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary.
Math
Algebra and geometry help you succeed on college entrance exams and in college math classes. Take them early, so you'll have time for advanced science and math, which will help show colleges you're ready for higher-level work.
Most colleges want students with three years of high school math. The more competitive colleges prefer four years. Take some combination of the following:
· Algebra I
· Algebra II
· Geometry
· Trigonometry
· Calculus
Take at least five solid academic classes every semester.
Science
Science teaches you how to think analytically and how to apply theories to reality. Colleges want to see that you’ve taken at least three years of laboratory science classes. A good combination includes a year of each of the following:
· Biology
· Chemistry or physics
· Earth/space science
Schools that are more competitive expect four years of lab science courses, which you may be able to get by taking advanced classes in these same areas.
Social Studies
Improve your understanding of local and world events by studying the cultures and history that helped shape them. Here is a suggested high school course plan:
· U.S. history (a full year)
· U.S. government (half a year)
· World history or geography (half a year)
· An extra half-year in the above or other areas
Foreign Languages
Solid foreign language study shows that you're willing to stretch beyond the basics. Many colleges require at least two years of study in the same foreign language, and some prefer more.
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, learn to notice differences and similarities, and exercise your mind in unique ways.
Many colleges require or recommend one or two semesters in the arts. Good choices include studio art, dance, music and drama.
Challenging Course Work
To ready yourself for college-level work, enroll in challenging high school courses, such as honors classes, AP courses or IB-program courses. You may even be able to take college courses at your high school or a local college.
More Help with Choosing Courses
Use College Search to look up a specific college's academic requirements to be sure you’re on track to attend the college of your choice. You can also meet with a school counselor or teacher if you have questions about choosing classes and staying on track for college.
