PreCollegiate Planning Information

PreCollegiate Planning Information 

The Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) has created a Pre-collegiate Curriculum for the graduating class of 2010 and beyond.  To gain admission to any four-year public institution in Colorado, students graduating in 2010 or later must demonstrate successful completion of the following coursework:

                                             English                                                                                                4 Credits

                                             Math (Algebra 1 and higher)                                                           4 Credits

                                             Natural Sciences (2 credits must be lab-based)                   3 Credits

                                             Social Sciences (at least 1 credit of U.S. or world history) 3 Credits

                                             World Language (must be the same language)                    1 Credit

                                             Academic Electives (see note below)                                          2 Credits

Note 1:  A unit of academic credit, often referred to as a Carnegie unit, is equivalent to two semesters of credit in a specific subject

Note 2:  For examples of acceptable pre-collegiate courses, academic electives, and answers to frequently asked questions, review the CCHS policies at http://highered.colorado.gov/academics/admissions/coursecompletion.html. 

Note 3:  It is important to know that admissions officers will continue to give preference to students who have demonstrated competence in a rigorous course of study over students who attain a good grade point average by taking less demanding courses.

Note 4:  These requirements may vary slightly from MHS graduation requirements.

What Are Colleges Looking For? 

Each year, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) surveys colleges and universities to determine the top factors influencing admission decisions.  According to the 2011 NACAC Admissions Trends Survey the following factors, in order of importance, were

1.       Grades in college prep courses

2.       Strength of curriculum

3.       Admission test scores (ACT and/or SAT)

4.       Grades in all courses

5.       Essay or writing sample

6.       Student’s demonstrated interest

7.       Counselor recommendation

8.       Class rank

9.       Teacher recommendation

10.     Subject test scores (AP, SAT Subject)

11.     Portfolio

12.     Interview

13.     Extracurricular activities

14.     Work

With these factors in-mind, here are ways to prepare for the college application process:

Academics:

• Choose a rigorous course load.  Seek out courses that are challenging.  Colleges would rather see a lower grade in a more challenging course than the easy “A.”  Remember, though, that the best scenario is good grades in challenging classes.

• Make sure your courses are appropriate and in logical progression.  Meet with your counselor to ensure you are on the right track.

• Colleges strongly recommend that students enroll in at least four core classes (English, social studies, 

math, science, world language) in every semester of their high school career.

• Get to know your counselor and teachers on a more individual basis.  These are the people who will be 

writing your recommendations.

• Keep a portfolio of your best work.  Colleges may offer you a chance to submit supplementary material that demonstrates your achievements.

• Establish good study habits.  Grades in the academic core areas (English, math, science, social studies and world language) are the best predictors of success at a four-year college.

• Read!  Studies have shown that one of the best preparations for college admission tests (SAT and ACT) is to read as much as possible.

Extracurricular:

• Find constructive activities, both in and out of school, which you enjoy and that provide an outlet for your non-academic side.

• Go for quality rather than quantity.  Colleges (and scholarship entities) prefer students who put significant effort into one or two activities rather than students who put little time into many activities.

• Pre-Collegiate Four-Year Academic Plans and Recommended High School Programs of Study