Senior Year Schedule.
Back in my high school counselor days, my least favorite, but most important, conversation with a student was their class schedule. It was my least favorite because I always ended up being the bad guy. Here is how the conversation would go:
Me: What classes are you thinking about taking Senior year?
Student: I don’t want to take Math or a Second Language, but I do want to take X Science class because I heard the teacher is easy.
Me: Do you want to have a successful first year in college?
Student: Yes (head hangs low because they knew what was coming).
Me: Then you are taking Math, Second Language and Science.
Student: Fine (as they sulk out of my office).
When I worked in Admissions and reviewed a student’s application, the first thing I reviewed on a student’s transcript was not their GPA or even their individual grades -- it was their class sequence. I would ask myself, “Has this student taken academically rigorous courses to be successful in college?”
Students trying to determine what classes to take can be tricky. “Four in the Core” is a good general rule. This principle, taught to me by my colleague Scottie Hill, ensures students meet the admissions course requirements. At a minimum, a student needs to have four classes in core subject areas each year of high school -- English, Math, Science, Second Language or Social Studies. An English course is never optional so that leaves students to choose from Math, Science, Second Language or Social Studies.
Please do not take my word for it. I always encouraged students to research their “dream school” admissions requirements and recommendations. If they did not have a “dream school,” I would point them to these general resources:
University of California Subject Requirements. Pay special attention to recommendations. My philosophy is recommended really means required.
NACAC Recommendations. NACAC is the professional organization that most colleges and universities belong to. These recommendations represent the thoughts of 14,000 admissions professionals.
NCAA Required Courses. All student athletes must meet these requirements if they would like to play their sport in college. Although this list is specifically for athletes, it is a good guide for all students.
At the end of the day, my job is to ensure students have the most opportunities available at the end of their Senior year. If that means being the bad guy, so be it.
Interested in working with me? Send me an email at hello@apariciocollegecounsulting.com and we can set up a complementary 15 minute conversation to see if I would be a good fit for your family.
