With so many high schools operating on a block system (where students take fewer, longer classes each term), this is not big news anymore. Admission officials realize that they have to make decisions before they see final grades (or any grades in some cases) in some important senior subjects. However, it’s essential that they know which classes are planned. For example, if your first semester transcript includes English, a foreign language, and history, but you expect to start calculus and physics in January, it should be made clear on your application.

If your school uses a block system, make certain that this is made clear to admission officials so they’ll realize that what may look like a single semester of a subject was really the equivalent of a full year course.

Admission officers expect to see a minimum of five solid subjects per term, plus at least one elective or minor subject (e.g., band, art — a ""major"" in some schools, yearbook, etc.). At schools on block or trimester systems or at some independent schools, fewer solids per term will be the norm. No matter how high you are aiming, you will be well served by pursuing a secondary school program that exceeds the basic requirements.

The most competitive colleges also expect that applicants will select the most challenging courses available. If there is a tracking system at your school, where students are grouped by ability, the transcript should indicate if clas...

Author: Amy Ambler

Click here to read more from Petersons