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 amost four-year colleges require applicants to have: well-rounded student shows your ability to balance 4 years of English,academics with out-of-school activities.3 years of math, PREPARING FOR COLLEGEChallenge Yourself Academically3 years of social studies,2-3 years of (lab) science, andColleges expect to see that students are willing and 2-3 years of a foreign language.able to challenge themselves academically. To showBe Proactive About Academic Difficultiesyour readiness for college-level work, choose the most demanding classes your high school offers and seekColleges do not seek perfection. They look for out enrichment programs:improvement throughout high school, especiallyAdvanced 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 this Ask teachers about improving your grades. exam can qualify you for cost-saving college credits. Find out about tutoring options.Be sure to lean into your strengths when choosing Consider attending summer school if needed.AP classes; it is better to take one AP class in a Get Involved and Show Leadershipsubject you excel in, and pass the exam, 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 collegedemonstrates your work ethic and commitment to the education; the IB Diploma Programme requirescommunity. Long-term participation in sports, clubs, passing three higher level IB classes as part of volunteerism, and part-time jobs showcases your a complete curriculum. responsibilities, interests, and talents. Also considerHonors classes offered by your high school the value of your contributions at home: caring for indicate an increased proficiency compared to younger siblings and ailing adult family members, non-honors classes. household management, working to supplementDual Enrollment Programs allow high school household income, translating for non-Englishstudents to take classes at local colleges to earn speaking family members, etc.high school and college credits. Ask your school Volunteerism indicates you care about yourcounselor whether your school offers these programs. community and others. Pre-College Summer Enrichment Programs are Part-time jobs and internships showcase youroffered on college campuses to help high school responsibility and introduce you to career options students learn more about subjects that interestthat fit your interests and talents.them while getting a taste of college life. ManyCaring for family while also completing classwork programs offer financial assistance. demonstrates an ability to manage your time.Neumann University'