When you fill out your high school course schedule, be sure you take these classes.

The academic courses listed here are required for admission to many four-year colleges. Many schools also require one or two years of foreign language. Whatever you do, remember algebra and geometry: Don't leave high school without them.

Language Arts (English)
8 credits (4 years) in literature, writing, and/or speech
Math
6 to 8 credits (3 or 4 years). You should try to take:
• algebra
• geometry
• algebra II
• trigonometry, and/or
• calculus
Science
6 credits (3 years) in lab science, including:
• 2 in biology
• 2 in chemistry and/or physics
• 2 in earth/space sciences, advanced biology, advanced chemistry, or physics
Social Studies
6 credits (3 years), including:
• 2 in U.S. history
• 1 in U.S. government
• 1 in economics
• 1 in world history or geography
• Plus 1 more credit in the above or other areas
You'll also need 8 Additional Credits from the above core or the following electives:
• Foreign languages
• Arts (art, music, or drama)
• Computers (computer applications or programming)
• Career area (courses in a technical career area)