Start Early
Take a Rigorous High School Curriculum
Challenge yourself in high school by taking the right classes. Students who take high-level courses in high school, are more likely to enroll in college and earn a degree.
The minimum High School graduation requirements are listed below. Local school districts may choose to require more than the minimum state requirements. Check with your school counselor or district office to find out if they have additional requirements.
Students shall earn a minimum of 15 units of credit in grades 9-12:
Language Arts (3.0 units of credit)
Mathematics (2.0 units of credit)
- Must take:
- Elementary Algebra or Applied Mathematics I; and
- Geometry or Applied Mathematics II; or
- Any Advanced Mathematics courses in sequence beyond the courses listed above.
- High school math credit may not be earned for courses below Elementary Algebra or Applied Mathematics I
Science (2.0 units of credit from 2 of the 4 science areas)
- Earth Science Systems (1.0 unit of credit)
- Biological Science (1.0 unit of credit)
- Chemistry (1.0 unit of credit)
- Physics (1.0 unit of credit)
Social Studies (2.5 units of credit)
- Geography for Life (0.5 units of credit)
- World Civilizations (0.5 units of credit)
- U.S. History (1.0 unit of credit)
- U.S. Government and Citizenship (0.5 units of credit starting with class of 2006)
The Arts (1.5 units of credit from any of the following performance areas)
- Visual Arts
- Music
- Dance
- Theater
Physical and Health Education (2.0 units of credit)
- Health (0.5 units of credit)
- Participation Skills (0.5 units of credit)
- Fitness for Life (0.5 units of credit)
- Individualized Lifetime Activities (0.5 units of credit) or team sport/athletic participation (maximum of 0.5 units of credit with school approval)
Applied Technology Education (1.0 units of credit from any of the following areas)
- Agriculture
- Business
- Family and consumer sciences
- Health science and technology
- Information technology
- Marketing
- Technology education
- Trade and technical education
Educational Technology
- Computer technology (0.5 units of credit for the class by this specific name) or
- Successful completion of state-approved competency examination (credit may be awarded at the discretion of the school or school district)
General Financial Literacy (0.5 units of credit starting with Class of 2008)
Library Media Skills (integrated into the subject areas)
Board-approved CRTs (Criterion Reference Tests) shall be used to assess student mastery of the following subjects:
- Reading
- Language arts through grade 11
- Mathematics
- Science
- Effectiveness of written expression in grade 9
Students with disabilities served by special education programs may have changes made to graduation requirements through individual IEPs to meet unique educational needs. A student’s IEP documents the nature and extent of modifications, substitutions, or exemptions to accommodate a student with disabilities.
These courses are a minimum. Aim to take four years of Math and Science. Also consider taking Honors and AP courses and enroll.
Find What You're Passionate About
Colleges look for students who show long-term commitment and dedication to something they are passionate about. It can be sports, school clubs, or even a hobby. This can also guide what type of higher education you pursue.
Participate in Community Service
Participate in activities that give back to your school or community. Colleges want well-rounded students. It's sometimes better to have a 3.0 grade point average with four years of volunteering at your local hospital, rather than a 3.5 g.p.a. with no community service.
Take the PSAT!
Sophomores should definitely take the PSAT. Colleges never see the scores, and you get an assessment of your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you prepare for the SAT and the ACT, which does go to colleges. You can even get a test fee waiver if you qualify. Just ask your counselor for details.
Enroll in Summer Enrichment Programs
Know your College Counselor
Be Serious about School
A strong academic record is key in getting into college. Take classes
that are challenging. Take electives, but not too much. Focus on core
subject areas, such as Math, English, Science, Social Studies, and
Foreign Languages. During your junior and senior years, you should take
classes that show you are advancing, and doing well. Junior year is the
time to bring up your grades before you apply to college. Senior year is
about keeping up your grades. It's too late to bring up your grades in
your senior year.
Research.
Looking for information about colleges can be fun and exciting. Use the internet to get information on schools, scholarships, and other college information. Start collecting materials on schools in which you're interested. Look at what each school's applications look like so you can prepare for their requirements. Check out www.collegeboard.org. You can even set up your own personal college planner on their website.
