PLANNING YOUR PROGRAM
Basis for Selecting Courses
Have you thought about your post-high school plans? Which subjects do you enjoy and find most interesting? Is there a career or profession you can see yourself pursuing? These are questions you should ask yourself before you select your courses for next year.
As you examine the course selections in this document, please keep in mind not only your short-term needs but also your long-term goals. At SHS, we offer a variety of electives from which you may choose. At all stages of planning, you must be mindful that we also have a number of graduation requirements. Students and parents are urged to consult with their school counselor to develop an appropriate academic program. Together, school counselors, students, and parents coordinate an appropriate academic plan by reviewing student achievement, interests, and aptitude related to individual career or educational goals. Teachers and Department Supervisors are also available to answer specific questions regarding course requirements and their importance toward intended college/career choices.
A. Most Highly Competitive Colleges Look for the Following:
English - 4 years
Social Studies - 4 years
Mathematics - 4-5 years
Lab Science - 4-5 years
World Language (the same language preferred) - 4-5 years
Variations of the above requirements exist depending upon the college and the student’s major.
Non-Academic Factors
Admissions committees place considerable emphasis upon the quality of participation in extracurricular activities and look favorably upon applicants who have demonstrated leadership capabilities. Signs of independence and maturity are valued. A student’s work experience can be a benefit in the admissions process. Personality, character, motivation, special talents, and life experiences are other factors taken into consideration. The college catalog and website are the best sources of current, accurate information.
B. Very Competitive Colleges Look for the Following:
English - 4 years
Social Studies - 3 years
Mathematics – 4 years
Lab Science - 3-4 years
World Language (the same language preferred) - 3-4 years
Variations of the above requirements exist depending upon the college and the student’s major.
Non-Academic Factors
Non-academic factors as outlined under Most Highly Competitive Colleges are taken into consideration by the admissions committees. The college websites and catalogs should always be checked for admissions particulars.
C. Competitive Colleges Look for the Following:
English - 4 years
Social Studies - 3 years
Mathematics - 3 years
Lab Science - 2 years
World Language - 2 years
Four other units (years), if possible, are to be selected from the above five major academic areas. Other subject areas such as music, art and business will sometimes count toward the 16 units depending upon the college and major selected. Variations do exist. Some colleges may require only fifteen units, one year of science, or no foreign language. The college counselor should be consulted for specific requirements.
Non-Academic Factors
Non-academic factors as outlined under Most Highly Competitive Colleges are taken into consideration.
D. Two Year Junior/Community Colleges Look for the Following:
English - 4 years
Social Studies - 3 years
Mathematics - 3 years
Lab Science - 1 year
Variations of the above requirements exist depending upon the college and the major the student selects. Some two-year colleges have an open admission policy whereby an applicant only needs to have graduated from an approved secondary school or have a high school equivalency diploma.