b'9Be a Successful Student Minimum Academic RequirementsColleges want successful, involved students whoWhile academic requirements vary among colleges, care about school and their community. Becoming most four-year colleges require applicants to have:Preparing for Collegea well-rounded student shows your ability to balance4 years of English,academics with out-of-school activities. 3 years of math,3 years of social studies, Challenge Yourself Academically 2-3 years of (lab) science, andColleges expect to see that students are willing and2-3 years of a foreign language.able to challenge themselves academically. To show your readiness for college-level work, choose the mostBe Proactive About Academic Difficultiesdemanding classes your high school offers and seekColleges do not seek perfection. They look for out enrichment programs:improvement throughout high school, especially Advanced Placement (AP) Courses are college-level during your junior and senior years. If you are having classes offered in high school. An AP exam is offered difficulty in a class, act quickly:at the end of each AP course. A high score on thisAsk teachers about improving your grades. exam can qualify you for cost-savings in the form ofFind out about tutoring options.college credits. Be sure to lean into your strengthsConsider attending summer school if needed.when choosing AP classes; it is better to take one AP class in a subject you excel in, and pass theGet Involved and Show Leadershipexam, than to take three AP classes you do not pass. Volunteering, working, or participating in extracur-International Baccalaureate (IB) is a rigorous ricular activitieswhile earning good gradesprogram designed to prepare students for a demonstrates your work ethic and commitment to the college education; the IB Diploma Programme community. Long-term participation in sports, clubs, requires passing three higher level IB classes volunteerism, and part-time jobs showcases your as part of a complete curriculum. responsibilities, interests, and talents. Also consider Honors classes offered by your high school the value of your contributions at home: caring for indicate an increased proficiency compared younger siblings and ailing adult family members, to non-honors classes, and have the added benefithousehold management, working to supplement of increasing your GPA. household income, translating for non-EnglishDual Enrollment Programs allow high school speaking family members, etc.students to take classes at local colleges to earn Volunteerism indicates you care about yourhigh school and college credits. Ask your schoolcommunity and others.counselor whether your school offers these programs. Part-time jobs and internships showcase yourPre-College Summer Enrichment Programs areresponsibility and introduce you to career options offered on college campuses to help high school that fit your interests and talents.students learn more about subjects that interestCaring for family while also completing classwork them while getting a taste of college life. Many demonstrates an ability to manage your time.programs offer financial assistance.Temple University'