Here are five essential tips to guide you through the process:

1. Focus on Academic Rigor

Colleges want to see that your teen is challenging themselves academically. Encourage them to take honors, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or dual-enrollment courses whenever possible. These advanced classes showcase their ability to handle college-level work and demonstrate their commitment to growth.

Admissions officers often emphasize the importance of academic rigor. As one shared, “The strength of a student’s curriculum can be the deciding factor in a competitive applicant pool.”

2. Prioritize Core Subjects

A strong foundation in the core subjects—English, math, science, social science, and world language—is essential. Most colleges recommend four years in each of these areas to reflect a well-rounded academic background. For example, taking advanced science courses or continuing with a world language through senior year can make your teen’s application stand out.

Colleges value consistent focus on core subjects throughout high school, as it reflects intellectual curiosity and preparedness for college-level work.

3. Align Course Choices with Future Goals

If your teen has a clear idea of their college major or career path, guide them to choose courses that align with those interests. Aspiring engineers should prioritize advanced math and science classes like calculus and physics. Similarly, students interested in arts or humanities might benefit from electives such as creative writing or world history.

These choices not only prepare your teen academically but also signal to colleges that they are serious about their intended field of study.

4. Balance Rigor and Well-Being

While it’s important to challenge your teen, an overloaded schedule can lead to unnecessary stress and burnout. Help them find a balance between rigorous coursework and extracurricular activities. Encourage them to take breaks, engage in hobbies, and allocate time for relaxation.

Admissions officers understand the importance of balance. A healthy schedule enables your teen to excel academically while showcasing leadership and passion through extracurricular involvement.

5. Plan Ahead and Stay Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to high school course selection. Colleges want to see sustained effort in core subjects over all four years, including senior year. Dropping a core subject late in high school might raise red flags during the admissions process.

Work with your teen to create a multi-year plan that incorporates progressively challenging classes while meeting college prerequisites. Regular check-ins with their school counselor can help ensure they’re on track.

Why Course Selection Matters

Course selection is one of the most significant factors in college admissions, often ranked just behind grades in importance. According to a survey, 63.8% of colleges consider the strength of high school curriculum a factor of “considerable importance.”

Admissions officers consistently look for:

• Challenging coursework that aligns with what’s available at the school
• Consistent effort across all four years of high school
• Classes that reflect a student’s interests and future goals

By making thoughtful choices, your teen can build a transcript that stands out while demonstrating their readiness for college-level work.

How Parents Can Support Their Teen

Here are some practical ways to help your teen succeed in course selection:

• Collaborate: Sit down together to map out a multi-year plan that balances rigor with well-being.
• Consult Experts: Encourage your teen to regularly meet with their school counselor for advice.
• Research Colleges: Look into prerequisites for your teen’s target schools or programs to ensure they’re on the right track.
• Encourage Exploration: Help your teen discover subjects and electives that align with their passions and potential career interests.



With these strategies, you can help your teen navigate high school with confidence, setting the foundation for success at their dream college. Remember, thoughtful course selection is more than just checking boxes—it’s an opportunity to reflect their academic strengths, interests, and aspirations.