What pre-college classes would you college teachers suggest if someone wants to go to college?

Question

I have often thought that there should be three different types of High School diplomas. First, would be a diploma for meeting minimum requirements in Math, Science, reading, History, etc. Second, a College prep Diploma, which would be for those that do not have to take the refresher courses before they take collge level corsues (plus at least one foreign language), and a vocational diploma, for those that took auto mechanis, machine shop, etc. and were good enough to have a technical or vocational skill when they got out of high school.

Answer 1

I would definitely recommend taking as many English and writing courses as possible. It's astounding to see how many college students are unable to construct basic sentences, much less express their thoughts in writing to any adequate degree. The reading that you would do in those classes would also help you to become more efficient with studying in general. Plus, being able to communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing) is an important skill that will make you more marketable in any job field.

I would also recommend taking 4 years of math, preferable through pre-calculus/trigonometry (or alternatively, algebra II and statistics). You will probably have to take required math courses no matter what your major is, so having a good background is crucial. In particular, if you have some idea what you're doing already, you won't be as lost if you get stuck with a TA who does not speak English well, and thus may have difficulty answering questions. The same goes for science courses. I'd recommend taking at least basic biology and chemistry, but also physics or advanced bio or chem if you can swing it. Don't neglect the social sciences either, but you don't necessarily need to take a specific course sequence (though I would recommend taking a government or civics class).

The general rule would be to take as many challenging courses as you can reasonably manage. If you can take either honors or AP courses, even better.

Answer 2

My high school curriculum from years back had a 3 tiered program that steered students into the right subject areas: Academic (College Prep);
Business Prep; and Vocational. Unfortunately, my former high school closed down 30 years ago.
Take a prep course that will help you move into your major faster, such as a pre-first year requirement. A good starting English course will compound 2 semesters like 101 & 102 into one course, like 109. Or you could start a pre-math or pre-sci course that will get your required studies out of the way faster. I only took 2/3rds of my required courses, and accelerated my major and finished three semesters early. B.

Answer 3

A high school diploma is a high school diploma, and if someone chooses to do vocational training during high school, and college later, they shouldn't be stuck with a diploma that won't let them into college. That's why there's only one high school diploma.
If you want to go to college, take college prep classes. During high school, take four years of English, math through pre-calculus, and be sure you've had chemistry, physics, biology, and and advanced version of one of the above.
As someone else here suggested, if you get the chance, take College English 101 and 102 early, everyone has to take them eventually anyway.

Answer 4

Math, science and then some more math. I have been associated with schools and colleges most of my life and the knowledge of math and science by college freshmen is abysmal and getting worse every year that we spend more time on political correctness than on learning life skills. The education establishment in this country should be ashamed.

Answer 5

Yes. The CC science/math courses are not as rigorous. If you're not able to earn above a C in bio, you should seriously reconsider whether med school is the right plan for you. The bio classes [and variations] in med school are killer.