CURRICULAR CHOICE FROM A COLLEGE ADVISING PERSPECTIVE WHAT COURSES SHOULD BE TAKEN FOR COLLEGE? 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.
Kingswood Oxford’s Course of Study 2020-2021
Curricular Choice from a College Advising Perspective Page 69 of 66
