High School Curriculum Planner
Plan your high school courses strategically to meet college admission requirements. Ensure you're taking the right classes to strengthen your academic profile and prepare for your target colleges.
Plan My CoursesHow Curriculum Planning Works
Input your target colleges, intended major, and academic interests to customize your plan.
See college admission requirements and graduation requirements for your school.
Map out courses for each year, considering prerequisites and course availability.
Monitor your progress and adjust your plan as your interests and goals evolve.
Sample 4-Year Plan
Freshman & Sophomore Years
• English 9
• Algebra I or Geometry
• Biology
• World History
• Spanish I
• Art/Music Elective
• English 10
• Geometry or Algebra II
• Chemistry
• AP World History
• Spanish II
• Health/PE
Junior & Senior Years
• AP English Language
• Algebra II or Pre-Calculus
• AP Chemistry or Physics
• AP U.S. History
• Spanish III
• Elective (Career-focused)
• AP English Literature
• AP Calculus or Statistics
• AP Physics or Environmental Science
• AP Government
• AP Spanish or Elective
• Senior Capstone Project
This is a sample plan for a college-bound student. Your actual plan will be customized to your school's offerings and your goals.
Typical College Admission Requirements
4 years required
Literature, composition, speech, and critical reading skills.
3-4 years required
Through Algebra II minimum. Pre-Calculus and Calculus preferred for competitive colleges.
3-4 years required
Biology, Chemistry, Physics. Lab sciences strongly preferred.
3-4 years required
World History, U.S. History, Government, Economics.
2-4 years required
Same language preferred. 3-4 years for competitive colleges.
1-2 years typical
Visual arts, music, drama, or career-focused electives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most colleges require 4 years of English, 3-4 years of math (through Algebra II minimum), 3-4 years of science (including lab sciences), 3-4 years of social studies, and 2-4 years of foreign language. Competitive colleges often prefer to see advanced courses like AP, IB, or dual enrollment classes.
The ideal number varies by student and target colleges. Most competitive applicants take 5-8 AP courses throughout high school, but quality matters more than quantity. Focus on subjects that align with your interests and intended major, and ensure you can maintain strong grades.
Start planning in 8th grade or early 9th grade to ensure you can fit in all required courses and have flexibility for advanced classes later. Early planning helps you understand prerequisites and sequence courses properly, especially for math and science tracks.
Colleges evaluate you within the context of your school's offerings. Consider dual enrollment at local colleges, online AP courses, summer programs, or independent study options. Admissions officers understand school limitations and focus on how you maximize available opportunities.
Yes, for example, aspiring engineers should prioritize advanced math and science, while future English majors might focus on literature, writing, and foreign languages.Take the personality quiz to get high school courses reccomended from the career choices you choose.
Aim for a sustainable balance that allows you to excel in both areas. It's better to take fewer advanced courses and maintain high grades while pursuing meaningful activities than to overload and struggle. Consider your time management skills and other commitments.
AP (Advanced Placement) offers college-level courses with standardized exams. IB (International Baccalaureate) is a comprehensive program emphasizing critical thinking and global perspectives. Dual enrollment allows you to take actual college courses for both high school and college credit.
Ready to Plan Your High School Courses?
Create a strategic 4-year plan that sets you up for college admission success.
Start Planning NowReviewed by Melissa Clemens, Licensed School Counselor | Last updated: September 7, 2025