High School Subject Choices - What should I focus on?

Hey guys, just to give you some info about myself, I'm a junior and I've been thinking about college. I was wondering what subjects on the high school curriculum are the most important for college applications? What subjects do colleges like to see? Thanks!

Your high school curriculum should ideally reflect a well-rounded academic foundation, catering to a variety of subjects including Mathematics, English, Science, Social Studies, and a Foreign Language. But remember, it's not just about taking courses across the board—it's about the rigor of those courses.

Admission officers appreciate candidates who challenge themselves. An example? Depends on your school's offerings, but running through an advanced sequence in Math (like taking Calculus by your senior year) or taking honors or AP classes in subjects where you are particularly strong could help demonstrate academic rigor.

In general, colleges want to see four years of English and Math, and three to four years of Social Studies, Science, and a Foreign Language. If you're applying to specialized programs or majors, those might have additional requirements. For instance, STEM majors should ideally have a strong foundation in Math and Science with numerous AP courses in these subjects if available.

Remember, however, that the ultimate goal is to create a high school course load that both reveals your academic passion and shows that you're always up for a challenge. Don't take on an unmanageable workload for the sake of seeming ambitious; balance is key.

Higher-level courses like AP/IB/Honors can contribute to a higher Academic Index, a metric used by some colleges to evaluate the academic strength of students. But don’t underestimate the importance of GPA as well — a lower GPA grade in an AP class isn't automatically better than a high grade in an easier class. Preparation for standardized tests like the SAT/ACT also matters a lot, especially for universities that are not test-optional or test-blind.

Lastly, remember that your high school classes should align with your long term interests—if you're interested in a future in art for instance, it makes sense to take more art classes in high school, perhaps alongside AP Art History. If you're keen on being an engineer, the more high-level math and science you can take, the better. It's all about tailoring your education to what you're passionate about and what you see in your future.

Ultimately, choose courses that you know you'll be invested in, that could potentially foster lifelong interests, and that reflect well on your overall academic profile.