Preparing for College in High School
The American Council on Education recommends that high school students preparing for college complete the following sequence of preparatory coursework:
| English |
4 years |
§ Composition
§ AmericanLiterature
§ EnglishLiterature
§ World Literature |
| Mathematics |
3-4 years |
§*Algebra I(if not completed in 8th grade)
§*Geometry
§*Algebra II
§Trigonometry
§Pre-calculus
§Calculus
*Algebra and Geometry are the foundation for all college math and science courses. 8th graders should take Algebra I and 9th graders should take geometry.
|
| History and Geography |
2-3 years |
§ Geography
§ U.S. History
§ U.S. Government
§ World History
§ World Cultures
§ Civics |
| Laboratory Science |
2-3 years |
§ Biology
§ Earth Science
§ Chemistry
§ Physics
|
| Foreign Language |
2-3 years |
§ French
§ Spanish
§ German
§ Mandarin
§ Latin
§ Russian
§ Japanese |
| Visual & Performing Arts |
1 years |
§ Dance
§ Music |
| Electives |
1-3 |
§ ComputerScience
§ Communications |
Source: www.collegeispossible.com/
American Council on Education
The following websites are recommended resources by the American Council on Education and the U.S. Department of Education. All of the resources and publications are free.
American Council on Education
www.collegeispossible.org
College Is Possible (CIP) is the American Council on Education's K–16 youth development program that motivates middle and high school students from underserved communities to seek a college education. As the umbrella organization for higher education and a presidential association, the American Council on Education (ACE) is uniquely positioned to build a bridge between colleges and universities and their local K-12 community with commitment at the executive level.
Information includes:
- Paying for College
- Preparing for College
- Choosing the Right College
- Jump Start Your Education Booklet
College Saving Plan Network
www.collegesavings.org
This site includes links to state-sponsored savings and prepaid tuition plans, two popular vehicles for college savings.
Think College
U.S. Department of Education
www.ed.gov/thinkcollege
This U.S. Department of Education website has special sections for parents whose children have not yet entered high school, high school-aged youth and their parents, and adults seeking to return to school.
Mapping Your Future
www.mapping-your-future.org
A coalition of state and private student loan guarantees. General information on college admissions and financial aid, with a special emphasis on student loans.
National Association for Student Financial Aid Administrators
www.nasfaa.org
Information on preparing for college academically and financially from campus financial aid administrators
Planning Ahead
The College Board
www.collegeboard.com
Designed for middle school students and their parents. Features information on academic and financial planning, including a savings calculator. Provides a yearly check list for middle and high school students.
Preparing Your Child for College: A Resource Book for Parents
U.S.Department
www.ed.gov/pubs/Prepare
This very popular book is now available only on-line
PSAT/NMSQT
The College Board
www.collegeboard.org/psat/student/htm/indx001/html
This text is valuable preparation for the SAT. Information and registration materials at this site.
Sallie Mae
www.salliemae.com
Features interactive calculators to help families project future college prices and their expected family contribution.
