Classes to Take in High School

Stepping Stones for College and Workforce Preparation

ACT recommends your high school coursework should include the following:

  1. English - 4 Years
  2. Math - 3 years (including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II)
  3. Science - 3 years (including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)
  4. Social Studies - 3 Years

Note that requirements may vary from college to college. Check with your counselor or look online for the specific requirements for any schools you’re interested in attending.

Learn more about what classes to take in high school and so much more with the FREE eBook, Planning for Your Future: Six Easy Ways to Start Preparing for What's Next.

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Taking the ACT Helps with College Class Selection

A high school student from Hauppauge High School in New York gives advice on college class section based on ACT scores.

Why Test? The Value of the ACT
 

An in-depth look at the importance of testing and how ACT scores can help secure placement into the college courses that are right for you.

Show colleges and potential employers that you've done the work.

Every high school has core requirements for graduation. These courses should be your main priority because they’re the stepping stones for college and workforce preparation.

Why are these so important? The skills and knowledge from these courses will give you a well-rounded education that you’ll use in any career. These courses will also help you prepare for the ACT test. For the class of 2017, 68% of students completed a core curriculum. Those students got an average ACT score of 22.1. Students who didn’t complete the core classes had an average of 18.9.

ACT has consistently found that students who take the recommended core curriculum are more likely to be ready for college or career than those who do not.