The Right Start: College Preparation During High School

In order to make a good living, a higher education has become more important than ever before. Careful planning and maintaining a good record will ensure college success.

Smart college preparation includes taking challenging courses and maintaining good grades, beginning in middle school. For example, if your child takes algebra and geometry by the end of ninth grade, he or she is more likely to go to college. Taking these courses in middle school lays the groundwork for trigonometry, calculus and science courses in high school. These courses are considered essential in many college admissions offices. Basic computer skills are now considered essential, and some colleges prefer three or four years of a foreign language.

Your teen's guidance counselor can help figure out the classes required or preferred by different colleges. Visit specific colleges' web sites to get their admissions requirements.

Recommended high school courses for college-bound students

Although academic requirements differ among colleges, Ohio Core is a rigorous high school curriculum to prepare for success at all colleges, and is specifically required for admission to a four-year college.

The Ohio Core curriculum includes...

• 4 years of math, including Algebra II or its equivalent
• 3 years of lab-based science, including physical science and biology, and one year selected from chemistry, physics or advanced biology, engineering science or biomedical science
• 4 years of English
• 3 years of social studies, including American History and American Government
• 1/2 unit of health
• 1/2 unit of physical education
• combination of 5 units to be chosen from among foreign language, fine arts, business, technology and Career Technical

Effective with the graduating class of 2014, all students must complete the Ohio Core curriculum to earn their high school diploma.

Additional information and resources

Find a College Prep School Near You
The National College Access Program Directory is a search tool for college-preparatory programs. The search is based on location, population served, such as low-income family, students with disability, or underrepresented minority, and services offered.

Chart a Pathway to Your Child's Career
The Ohio Career Information System is an online resource from the Ohio Department of Education with occupation matching tools and information about education and training.

Make Sure Your Child is on the Right Path to College and a Career
The Individual Academic and Career Plan (IACP) is a planning tool that reflects school performance and career-related experiences. The IACP emphasizes academic improvement and enrichment strategies and includes checkpoints to ensure students are on target with educational and career goals.