Planning for College
Get an Early Start
It's never too soon to start thinking about college; in fact there are things students and families can do in middle school to start planning.
Planning Your High School Classes
The classes you take in high school will be an important factor in the college admission process. Most colleges and universities require that you take classes in the following subject areas:
- English
- Mathematics
- Sciences
- Social studies
- Foreign language
- Arts
While California Community Colleges do not require specific high school courses or grades, they still recommend that you take college preparatory classes if you are considering a bachelor's degree.
If you complete high school through home schooling, you are expected to meet the same admission requirements as students attending traditional schools.
College Prep Classes
Virtually every high school has a set of courses that are identified as college preparatory. The college prep pattern is designed to meet the admission requirements of a wide range of colleges and universities. Chances are your high school's college prep pattern matches the "A-G pattern" required by the University of California (UC), the California State University (CSU), and many independent colleges.
This website has terrific resources to help you plan for college. Use the High School Planner to plan and track your progress in meeting UC and CSU course requirements. Information about the following is also available:
Subject requirement (A-G pattern) for the University of California (UC)
High school course requirements for admission to the California State University CSU
Subject requirements for admission to California independent colleges and universities are available on the campus websites
Taking High School Honors and AP Courses
If you are interested in universities with competitive admission standards, you should probably be taking the more challenging courses offered by your high school. Honors, advanced placement, or International Baccalaureate courses are frequently an important factor in the college admission process. Just as important, if you are motivated and can do more challenging work, then you will benefit intellectually and academically from the extra work it takes to complete honors courses. As a bonus, honors classes frequently earn extra grade points. Honors, AP, and I B courses are like exercise for the mind — the more you take, the better you get.
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