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CURRICULAR CHOICE FROM A COLLEGE ADVISING PERSPECTIVE
WHAT COURSES SHOULD BE TAKEN FOR COLLEGE?
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While many factors enter into college admissions decisions, an applicant’s academic performance as reflected on the high school transcript is the most important component in an application. When colleges evaluate a high school transcript, they primarily consider two factors: the rigor of the program of study and a student’s level of achievement. This means that students should take the most demanding program that they can successfully
handle, balancing rigor and achievement, and that will allow students to pursue areas of interest outside of the
classroom. With the wide range of offerings at Kingswood Oxford School, students can explore new and interesting avenues. The College Advising Office encourages students to follow their interests while fulfilling their KO diploma requirements and meeting ,and preferably exceeding, colleges’ entrance requirements.
WHAT COURSES ARE DESIRABLE WHEN APPLYING TO COMPETITIVE COLLEGES?
In general, most four-year colleges expect to see the following classes on a high school transcript. • 4 years of English • 3-4 years of mathematics, or through pre-calculus • 3 years of one modern or classical language (ideally through level IV) • 3 years of science (at least 2 lab courses) • 3 years of history/social science • 1 year of fine arts Please keep in mind that these are not KO graduation requirements; the above are the typical minimum requirements admission offices are looking at for most applicants. For many colleges, taking four years of as many core areas as possible is often most desirable. During their senior year, some students may choose to forego a fourth year of science, history, or language in order to “double up” in a favorite area. While this could make good sense for an individual, we still strongly recommend all seniors take courses in at least four of the five core curricular areas (English, math, science, history, language).
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL CURRICULUM FOR EACH GRADE LEVEL?
The typical expected course load is five “core” courses (plus one elective, occasionally two). Students’ advisors, the department chairs, and the college advisors work together to help students build an academic schedule that incorporates the appropriate mix of challenge and balance across core academic disciplines and the arts. Please refer to the individual department sections of this guide for course sequences and options in each grade level.
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While many KO students enroll in a liberal arts program in college, several KO students each year pursue a focused study in a specialized field in college. The expected high school curriculum for these programs may look a bit different. Once students have decided this might be a route they are interested in, students should communicate with their advisor, the appropriate department chair and/or the College Advising Office for suggestions on how to select those courses that will best prepare the student. Business Programs generally require four years of rigorous math courses, preferably through calculus. Coursework in economics is strongly encouraged. Engineering Programs generally require four years of rigorous math and science, including at least basic courses in chemistry, physics, and calculus. Some programs require SAT Subject Tests in math and science for admission. Coursework in computer science is also a plus. Health Science Majors, including Nursing, OT/PT, PreMed, PreDental, etc generally require four years of rigorous math and science, including at least basic courses in chemistry, physics, and calculus. Art, Drama, or Music Programs can vary significantly in their requirements. Conservatory programs, which focus almost entirely on one’s major, primarily consider an audition/portfolio in making admissions decisions. However, many comprehensive universities and small colleges also have exceptional programs in the arts and may also require auditions/portfolios. These colleges also expect students applying to arts/drama/music programs to have the same demanding high school courses and grades as others in their applicant pool.
WHAT ARE AP® CLASSES AND ARE THEY IMPORTANT?
AP® (Advanced Placement) classes follow a nationally prescribed curriculum that culminates in a comprehensive exam in May. If one does well on an AP®exam (minimally a 3, but usually a 4 or a 5), some colleges grant credit, placement into a higher-level class, and/or exemption from college distribution requirements. AP® courses are considered college-level courses, use college-level texts, have college-level expectations, and demand a college-level commitment. Note, however, that AP® courses are just one way that a student can add challenge to a course load given KO’s wide array of demanding classes with and without the AP® label. Different AP® classes have different prerequisites; please carefully review the prerequisites listed in each course description. Also, at KO, all students enrolled in an AP® class are required to take the corresponding AP® exam. AP® scores are not sent to colleges by KO and are not college admission tests. However, students may include them on their applications if they choose. AP® scores are never requirements for college applications however schools with test flexible options may allow students to submit AP® scores in lieu of the SAT or ACT.
WHAT IF STUDENTS HAVE MORE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ABOUT COURSE SELECTION AND COLLEGE ADMISSIONS?
The information above is a very brief overview. Students and their parents should first speak with their academic advisor, after which we encourage students and parents to reach out to the College Advising Office with any remaining questions related to course selection and the college admissions process.
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