How important are high school core classes for college admissions?

Hey everyone, I’m starting to plan out my remaining high school courses and I’m wondering how much emphasis colleges place on core classes. I want to make sure I have a strong application, and I’m not sure if I should take more advanced courses in these subjects. How do these courses factor into the admissions process?

Hi there! I'm glad you’re taking a strategic approach to planning your high school courses. When it comes to college admissions, core classes are extremely important. As a high school counselor, I've noticed that colleges tend to look for students who challenge themselves with rigorous courses, particularly in the core academic areas: English, mathematics, science, social studies, and foreign languages.

Taking advanced courses like AP or IB classes demonstrates to colleges your readiness for college-level work. If you're aiming for more selective schools, this becomes especially crucial. Colleges want to see that you've taken the most challenging curriculum available to you and excelled in those courses. They use this as a predictor of how well you'll perform in a rigorous college environment. For instance, if you're interested in engineering, taking advanced courses in math and science would be particularly beneficial.

However, it's important to maintain a balance. You should take the most challenging courses you can while still being able to perform well. It's better to get a good grade in an honors class than to struggle with a low grade in an AP class. Admissions officers understand that not every student's situation allows for taking numerous advanced classes, but showing that you're pushing yourself within your context is key. Good luck with your course selection!