College Preparatory Program

Students report that their parents are still the most influential people in their lives when making decisions about their future. So, if your child is considering college, here are some important facts parents should know:

Being admitted to college and staying in college are two different things. Students who graduate from high school in Ohio can enter Ohio’s public colleges and universities, but many students don’t make it beyond their freshman year.

If your child wants to go to college, there are college preparatory courses which will help him or her to be successful. The following list of courses, if successfully completed, will satisfy the entrance requirements for most colleges/universities. Some entrance requirements may differ. The student is advised to consult college catalogues for specific college admissions information.

- 4 credits of English, with emphasis on writing

- 4 credits of mathematics (Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II with a math credit in the senior year)

- 3 credits of social studies

- 3 credits of science, (lab experience(s) recommended)

- 3 credits of foreign language (4^th year is encouraged or 2 credits in each of 2 foreign languages)

- 1 year of fine arts: art, music, and/or theater courses.

Many universities in Ohio have placed admission conditions on students who have not completed these minimum core preparatory courses. These conditions may include placement in remedial coursework, delay of entry into regular freshman coursework or other actions to be decided by the university.

Each university has set forth its own combination of courses which should be taken for admission without conditions. Check with your child’s counselor to be sure that you know the requirements for the college or university selected.

Graduation from a general or career-technical education program will not deny your child the opportunity to go to college, but conditions may be placed on his or her admission if the appropriate courses for unconditional admission have not been taken.

Remedial coursework costs students and their families both time and money. The college preparatory program should help your child avoid remedial courses.

Scholarships for college are available through parents’ workplaces, the Fairfield County Foundation, colleges, and internet sources. Students and parents should regularly check the Guidance and Counseling page on the Lancaster High School web site at https://sites.google.com/lcsschools.net/lhscounselingwebsite/home.

The Fairfield County Foundation web site is www.fairfieldcountyfoundation.org.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) web site is www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Another excellent internet source for financial aid and scholarship information is Fastweb at www.fastweb.com.