Understanding what high school courses colleges expect — and what counts as 'rigorous' in each subject area — is fundamental to academic planning from 9th grade onward. Here is a subject-by-subject breakdown.
English: 4 Years
Four years of English is expected universally. At selective schools, this should include the most rigorous available levels — AP Language and Composition (junior year) and AP Literature (senior year) are strongly recommended. Strong writing skills, demonstrated through performance in English courses, signal college readiness.
Mathematics: 3–4 Years
Most selective colleges want math through at least Precalculus, with Calculus strongly recommended or expected for STEM-oriented students. For highly technical fields (engineering, physics, economics at competitive schools), AP Calculus BC is essentially expected. Math should progress continuously — stopping after Algebra 2 in 10th grade raises questions.
Science: 3–4 Years
Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are the three core sciences. Most selective schools expect all three at a minimum. Lab science courses are important — they demonstrate hands-on scientific method experience. AP Sciences (AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics) are valued at selective schools.
Social Studies/History: 3–4 Years
World History or Geography, US History, and Government/Economics are the standard sequence. AP US History (APUSH) is one of the most commonly taken AP courses and is expected at many selective schools.
Foreign Language: 2–3 Years Minimum (3–4 Strongly Recommended)
Foreign language is increasingly important at selective colleges. Most selective schools want 3–4 years of the same language. Heritage speakers who demonstrate high proficiency in their native language through standardized tests satisfy foreign language expectations.