College Preparatory Curriculum
Since the student who is preparing for college admission is faced with a wide variety of admission requirements, it is wise to prepare, as far as the individual’s abilities permit, for the most demanding of these standards.
The unit of credit as viewed by colleges and employers, is equivalent, in most cases, to 2 credits earned by an Upper St. Clair High School student. A number of variations may be planned to suit the needs, interests, and special abilities of the individual student.
The following program is designed to meet the requirements of the most competitive colleges and universities.
- English: 8 Credits
- Social Studies: 8 Credits
- Math: 8 Credits
- Science: 8 Credits
- World Language: 8 Credits
- Electives: 4.5 Credits
Total: 44.5 Credits*
We encourage all capable students to plan to meet at least the minimum college admission requirements summarized below.
- English: 8 Credits
- Social Studies: 6 Credits
- Math: 6 Credits
- Science: 6 Credits
- World Language: 4 Credits
- Electives: 11 Credits
Total: 41 Credits*
NOTE:
- Colleges usually prefer 3 or 4 years of one language to 2 years of two different languages.
- When only 2 years of a language are submitted for admission, both years are expected to be in a single language.
- Science requirements are normally met with such courses as biology, chemistry and physics.
- Admission may be granted to some institutions with less than the minimum indicated. However, any student having less has a narrower selection of colleges to consider.
- Colleges and Universities are constantly changing their admission requirements. It is no longer possible to make “blanket statements” concerning college admission. Students are encouraged to continue their work in the academic courses as long as it is appropriate and they are meeting success. We do not encourage student selection of inappropriate courses solely for the purpose of “needing it for college.”
*In addition, 3.5 credits of Wellness Education are required for graduation.