College Planning

Post-high school goals should determine the courses a student opts to take in high school.  Most colleges require a minimum of 16 Carnegie Units. A Carnegie Unit represents the completion of an academic course in high school.  Courses taken in mathematics, language arts, science, world languages, and social sciences are the academic areas that are traditionally considered for Carnegie Units.  A student will have the opportunity to take electives in the areas of Art, Business, Industrial Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Performing Arts.  These courses will provide each student with a well-rounded background for varied career and vocational interests.

References:

College Board Khan Academy College Prep US News and World Report

Colleges differ greatly in their requirements for admissions and programs change frequently to reflect the tenor of our times.  It is also wise for students to make optimum preparation for eligibility to the largest numbers of colleges.  To meet such standards students must: a) strive to work to their potential; b) develop good study skills; c) participate in community and school activities.

Factors in College Selection:

Type of college Curricula                   Financial considerations

Size of college Co-curricular offerings     Educational options         

Geographic location Faculty                Admissions requirements

Size of community Social life                         Degree of competitiveness Religious affiliations 

Information about these factors may be obtained from college catalogs, college handbooks, admission officers, school counselors, visits and interviews, Naviance, and computer searches.  Students should contemplate these issues early in their high school career.