When Do Students Need to Start Thinking About College Admissions Requirements?

Counselors, this post is part of a series of resources geared towards families of high schoolers. You can share with families and students via email, in newsletters, on social media, or at CCR events.

For many students (and their parents) entering high school freshman year, college seems like a lifetime away. Most are simply focused on ensuring a smooth transition from middle school–acclimating to a new campus, getting involved in clubs or sports, and adapting to the more challenging coursework. They assume thoughts of college admissions can wait until at least junior year, at the earliest. 

Though the logistics of applying to college–including taking admissions tests, writing essays, requesting letters of recommendation, and applying for financial aid–can wait until junior and senior year, it is critical that students early in high school understand that their choices beginning freshman year can have major impacts on what options are open to them after graduation. Families can help students recognize some key decision points to pay attention to early in high school and understand how they relate to different college options. 

‍

College Admissions Requirements vs. High School Graduation Requirements

Many students and families would assume that the requirements needed to graduate high school are the same as those needed to apply and attend a college or university. This, however, is not the case. Many colleges require additional coursework in certain subjects or higher level courses to be taken compared to what is needed for graduation. And, college admissions requirements vary across schools. 

A common and notable difference between these sets of requirements is in foreign language coursework. Most states and districts require students to take 2 years of foreign language to graduate. Many colleges, however, require students to take 3 or 4 years of foreign language. Unlike other subject areas where students can double up on classes, students cannot take different levels of language courses simultaneously as successful completion of each course must precede the next. If students do not begin taking this series of courses freshman or sophomore year, they may have to take courses over the summer or will have limited their college options based on this requirement. 

Because graduation requirements are the same for all students within a school, counselors frequently share relevant information and ensure that all students are on track to complete them. With the wide variation in requirements between colleges, it is not possible for counselors to update students throughout their four years on whether they are on track to meet the requirements for different opportunities. Students and families can proactively research potential college options early during high school and make sure that their course selections are in alignment. 

‍

Taking the SAT & ACT

Requirements for submitting standardized tests as part of college applications have seen major changes over the past four years. Most colleges suspended these requirements during the COVID pandemic when schools closed and students were unable to sit for the tests. Many have brought back the requirement in the past year. Students with hopes to attend college should anticipate that even if schools are currently testing-optional, they could bring back the requirement at any time. And planning to take the SAT or ACT keeps options open–and students can always opt not to share their scores with schools that do not require them. 

Making plans during sophomore year for test preparation allows students to spend adequate time studying and preparing for the content. Many students choose to take practice tests to familiarize themselves with the testing format and time constraints. This is especially important with the SAT that has recently gone digital, leaving many students unfamiliar with the testing structure and feel. Planning for testing early allows students to be prepared and take retakes, if necessary, while avoiding crises as senior year nears. 

‍

Truly Being Prepared for College and Career

Beyond just meeting college application requirements, students want to make sure they are truly ready for higher-level coursework and have direction towards a career so they can make the most of their time in college. In order to be ready for college preparatory coursework like AP, IB, or AICE courses or participate in internships during high school, it is important to ensure they will be able to fit the courses or pathways into their schedules. Participating in many of these opportunities requires certain prerequisites along with strategic scheduling. 

During freshman year, students and families can make a multi-year plan for the courses your student hopes to take. This helps all involved understand how courses fit together. Students can revisit this plan during each course selection period to serve as a check on meeting requirements and can adapt the plan based on shifts in goals or areas of interest. Encouraging students during freshman and sophomore year to connect their courses to future goals can help them make thoughtful and informed choices. 

‍

Knowledge is Power

Information is empowering. The more your student knows, the more strategic they can be in their high school decision-making and beyond. Learning about college admissions requirements for a variety of potential colleges during freshman or sophomore year creates a knowledge base that can be incredibly beneficial to future planning. Families can help students understand the different requirements and make decisions that keep options open as they explore interests and passions throughout high school–allowing them to enter senior year with confidence and clarity.

‍