How to increase chance of getting in good college?

[ucbalumnus]

@MYOS1634

Take 5 core classes each year: English, Math, Foreign language, Social science, Science.
Among those, 8 (total) should be AP, including calculus if you’re able to (precalculus+AP statistics otherwise), history, and before you take an AP science make sure you have taken bio/chem/physics.

Along those lines:

FAQ: High School College Prep Base Curriculum

This was posted before in the College Admissions section at http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1995563-faq-high-school-college-prep-base-curriculum.html , but it looks like the questions about high school course selection are mostly here, so it may be more helpful here, with some additional information. High school students aiming at highly selective colleges should consider meeting the following base curriculum that is commonly expected. Of course, additional academic electives beyond the base curriculum are fine and expected to fill in free elective space in the schedule. **English**: 4 years. **Math**: At least to precalculus. Students who complete precalculus in 11th grade or earlier should take calculus if available. Statistics should be considered an additional elective, not a substitute for precalculus or calculus. *Note:* not completing precalculus in high school may result in needing to take it as a remedial course in college. Not takin…

There are a few common "don’t"s for students aiming for more selective colleges:

• Don’t skip precalculus to take AP statistics.
• Don’t skip physics to take AP something else.
• Don’t skip foreign language level 3 or 4 to take AP electives.
• Don’t opt out of calculus if you complete precalculus in 11th grade or earlier and calculus is available to you.