As parents, we all want to see our teens succeed, especially when it comes to preparing
for college. One of the most important decisions they’ll make in high school is selecting
the right courses. While it might be tempting for them to take the easiest path to
graduation, making thoughtful choices now can open more doors—especially if they
dream about attending a selective college that feels like a perfect fit.
The Importance of a Rigorous Course Load
One of the most common mistakes students make is opting out of core academic
subjects too early. Many high schools have minimum graduation requirements, but
meeting those minimums doesn’t necessarily make a student competitive for top-tier
colleges. Selective colleges prefer applicants who challenge themselves in all five major
academic disciplines—English, math, science, social studies, and foreign
language—throughout all four years of high school.
For example, a student might decide to stop taking Spanish after sophomore year
because they’ve met their school’s language requirement. However, colleges look for
students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a commitment to academic rigor.
Dropping a core subject too soon could make an application less competitive.
How Parents Can Help
As a parent, you play a crucial role in guiding your teen toward recognizing and
embracing the benefits of a well-rounded and challenging high school education. Here’s
how you can support them:
- Encourage a Balanced Course Load – While it’s important for students to
challenge themselves, they also need a manageable workload. Encourage them
to take rigorous courses but balance them with subjects they enjoy and excel in. - Have Open Conversations – If your teen is considering dropping a core subject,
ask them why. Are they struggling? Are they uninterested? Understanding their
perspective can help you provide guidance that aligns with their academic goals. - Consult Their School Counselor and/or Current Teachers – School
counselors can provide valuable insight into course selection and how it aligns
with college admissions expectations. And experienced teachers can speak to
past student experiences with courses that may relate well to your teen’s
decision making. - Look at College Admissions Requirements – Research the admission
expectations of colleges your teen is interested in. Many schools have
recommended coursework beyond the minimum high school requirements. - Highlight the Long-Term Benefits – Emphasize how maintaining a rigorous
course load will not only enhance their college applications but also prepare them
for the academic challenges of higher education. - Consider Doubling Up – If your teen has a clear preference for a particular field
of study, encourage them to explore options for taking two classes in that field at
the same time. This will help them explore their interests more and make plain
their academic preferences.
Preparing for Success
Helping your teen make informed decisions about their high school courses is one of
the best ways you can support their future success. By encouraging them to stay
engaged in all five major academic disciplines and challenge themselves appropriately,
you’ll be helping them keep their college and career options wide open.
If you have questions or concerns about course selection, don’t hesitate to reach out to
your teen’s school counselor, teachers or academic advisor. Thoughtful planning now
can lead to greater opportunities down the road!
Fitz has dedicated the entirety of his 28 year career to encouraging higher education opportunities. He worked in the Vanderbilt, Duke Law and St. Lawrence admissions offices prior to serving as an enrollment management consultant for 200+ selective colleges around the country. He created Find The Right College to make trustworthy college counseling more accessible. Fitz is also the father of two teens so he also understands first-hand the challenges associated with a college search.
