College Requirements
COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS
Admission requirements vary greatly from school to school, and sometimes depend upon the student's selected course of study. Criteria typically considered include class rank, ACT or SAT scores, rigorous high school course distribution, and involvement in activities. In other words, your choice of high school courses, and how you do in these courses will affect your future college admission. The following is a sampling of high school course requirements:
University and State College System
1. Four years of English
2. Three years of math (to include Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II)
3. Three years of science
4. Two years of a single second language
5. Three years of social studies (to include U.S. History)
6. One year of visual and/or performing arts or
7. One year of world cultures or the arts or
8. Two additional units from the above areas of fine arts, computer
science or communication arts
Private Colleges - requirements vary greatly—check with your college choice
Most prefer students take at least:
- Four years of English
- Three to four years of math
- Three to four years of science
- Three to four years of social studies
- Two years of a single second language
Remember, each college or university sets standards of preparation that they believe will provide the background necessary for students to succeed at their school. There may be other factors considered in an admission decision as well, such as activities, character, leadership potential, work experience, etc. This is particularly true at more selective schools. If you anticipate applying to a highly selective university, or if you have an idea of the college(s) you will be applying to in your senior year, you are advised to go to each college’s website to research specific courses required for admission to the college or specific program.
Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) supports the Minnesota Programs of Study website as a tool to assist students in course planning for future careers. Please look at this website when working on your four year plan: www.mnpos.com. When you select Cannon Falls you may see specific CFHS course titles recommended for different career paths.
Students who expect to compete in athletics at Division I or II level colleges need to research the NCAA website: www.ncaaclearinghouse.org - Eligibility Center. NCAA will outline your course requirements to be eligible for their program. Students will be requested to send a transcript at the end of their junior year and again when they have completed their senior year. Students are responsible for requesting a transcript from the Guidance Office.
TECHNICAL COLLEGE
The technical colleges have specific entrance requirements for various programs offered. These requirements should be checked carefully by the students, either in the Guidance office or at the individual technical college. The Guidance office has catalogs for many technical colleges, or you may go online to the specific college’s website.
WORK FORCE STUDENTS
Students planning to enter the work force immediately after high school should plan their programs carefully. Course selection should be closely related to post high school work plans.
POST-SECONDARY ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (PSEO)
This is a program open to juniors and seniors which may allow them to take courses at colleges and/or technical centers for both high school and college credit. Any junior or senior planning to participate in the Minnesota Post Secondary Option Program next year must register in the Guidance office prior to April 2, 2012. For more information see your counselor. You must meet entrance /academic criteria as outlined by each individual institution. All applications will be completed in a meeting with your counselor and parents.
CLEP
The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) gives students the opportunity to receive college credit for what they already know by earning qualifying scores on any of 33 examinations. They may earn credit for knowledge they have acquired through independent study, prior course work, on-the-job training, professional development, cultural pursuits, or internships.