some high school coursework meaning

What “Course of Study in High School” Means on Applications

Written by Nathan Brunner .

Last updated on April 15, 2024.

When filling out a job application, candidates are often stumped by the question,  “What was your course of study in high school?“

This generic question appears when the job application is copied from a college application form. It is a boilerplate question because high school students don’t major in anything!

But don’t worry; there are two different ways to describe your course of study in high school.

Tip : Find Entry-Level Jobs on Salarship .

First Way to Answer: Be as Informative as Possible

By default, you can write “General high school diploma.”

However, it is possible to be more informative by writing:

• Business studies : If you completed business courses in high school, you can write “Business” and add courses completed, such as bookkeeping or money management, you name it!
• Arts:  If you were in a high school for the arts, you can write “Arts” and mention the main subjects, such as calligraphy, art history, portraiture, etc.
• Sciences:  If you were in a science high school, you can write “Sciences” and mention the main subjects you completed, such as physics, astronomy, future studies, etc.
• STEM  or  non-STEM :  In some schools, the last two high school years focus on STEM subjects such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses. If you were in such a high school track, write “STEM” (or non-STEM otherwise).

If you want to be even more specific, you can add some information about your curriculum:

• College Prep:  If you took Honors or AP classes, write “College Prep.” 
• Vocational education : If you studied in a vocational high school, write “vocational education” and add your major: automotive, culinary, cosmetology, etc.
• IB : If you completed an International Baccalaureate program, you could put “IB” or “International Baccalaureate program.”

Second Way to Answer: Leave It Blank or Write “Not Applicable”

When asked for your course of study on a U.S. job application, it is usually on a form with a row for each level of school and a column for “major.”

In other words, there is an ambiguity in the application form!

If a job application asks for your major (or area of study) in the high school section, you can leave it blank.

You can also write “N/A” or “Not Applicable.”

Why Employers Care About Your Course of Study in High School

High schoolers all follow the same core course of study, including English, mathematics, science, and social studies classes.

However, choosing from classes outside the required curriculum is also possible. These courses are called elective classes. Electives include courses about personal finance, entrepreneurial skills, world politics, etc.

Some employers ask about your course of study to know your interests besides the high school curriculum. If you followed electives, feel free to mention them, as they will demonstrate your curiosity.

Tip : 47,364 Entry-Level Jobs Are Available on Salarship .

The Bottom Line

If a job application asks you one of these questions:

• What was your major or area of study in high school?
• What was your course of study in high school?

It is a boilerplate question!

You can either leave it blank, write “N/A,” or mention some of the courses you took in high school.

You can also list the courses you liked the most. A hint about your favorite courses would be sufficient but don’t sweat it. It’s not a big deal if you leave it blank!

Similar Questions Asked When Filling Out a Job Application

• What Is Your Major Area of Study?
• The Meaning of “Highest Academic Level” on Job Applications
• What Does “High School Diploma or Equivalent” Mean?

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What Is A High School Coursework?

The core courses students must take are those needed for their diplomas. These courses include English Composition, Algebra, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Students may choose to take additional math courses as electives. The core curriculum lays the foundation for students to further their education by learning more about each of the subject areas. It provides the knowledge necessary to succeed in college and prepares students for a career in a particular area.

Many students begin their high school coursework by taking the SAT. This help s them decide what subject to major in, but the SAT should not be used as a primary entrance exam. Instead, students should focus their efforts on preparing for the SAT. They should consider taking AP exams in the core subjects for which they’re tested. Such exams, also known as sitting exams, will give a better indication of how well students will perform in the core subjects.

After the SAT, students should pursue a variety of options to help them prepare for college-level tests. They should consider taking AP classes, writing a sample exam, learning about different types of textbooks and reading them, and attending college-level seminars and conferences. By doing so, students will have a better chance of performing well on future exams and securing a place in a top-tier college.

What is a coursework? It is an outline or direction that students need to follow to achieve a particular goal. The topics covered in coursework may include mathematics, social studies, history, English, science, and other similar courses. Most schools provide some coursework in English composition, American government, and history. In many cases, these require independent study and do not require prerequisite courses.

What is a college coursework? College coursework is a set of books, research materials, and lessons required to earn a degree at a college level. Many students complete their high school coursework in a year or less. College coursework typically covers subjects such as mathematics, reading, writing, and social studies. Some colleges require students to complete additional courses, which are termed “core” courses.

Why do students need to know what is a high school coursework? In today’s society, individuals want to be successful and obtain a certain amount of college credit in order to make the best choices for their lives. Without this knowledge, they may end up putting themselves in a situation where they are unable to get accepted into a good school, because they did not take the time to learn about the various subjects that are required for college. Also, without this knowledge, they may end up missing out on some of the many wonderful opportunities that will open up for them once they start attending college.

What is a high school coursework? While you certainly need to have some understanding of what is a high school coursework, you should also have a good understanding of why it is a required subject for those who wish to go to college. Taking the time to learn what is a high school coursework will help prepare you for your future.

Why is a high school coursework important? It is important for students to understand why they should do well in school. For one thing, this coursework helps them develop skills that will enable them to do well in college. For another thing, it can demonstrate to future employers that you have what it takes to succeed in college. By taking the time to learn what is a high school coursework, you can help ensure that you get into the college of your choice, and that you will be able to graduate with a set amount of college credits.

What is a high school coursework? There are several different types of coursework that you can take, in order to learn what is a high school coursework. Some of these types of courses include foreign language, mathematics, science, history, English literature, physical education, music, and foreign languages. Some schools also have religious-based courses. Whatever type of coursework you are looking to learn, you can find it online. Simply searching the term “high school coursework” on any search engine will return a number of results where you can find what is a high school coursework online.

As you can see, a high school curriculum is important in order to succeed in college. You want to be prepared for what is a high school curriculum, so that you know what to expect from your future school. You can learn what is a high school coursework by doing a search online. You can complete the course work on your own time, from the comfort of your own home.

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Core Course of Study

Also called core curriculum , core course of study refers to a series or selection of courses that all students are required to complete before they can move on to the next level in their education or earn a diploma. In high schools, a core course of study will typically include specified classes in the four “core” subject areas—English language arts, math, science, and social studies—during each of the four standard years of high school. Since elementary and middle schools generally offer students a predetermined academic program with fewer optional courses, the term core course of study nearly always refers to requirements in high school programs.

In some schools, the core course of study may also entail additional credit requirements in specified subject areas, such as the arts, computer science, health, physical education, and world languages, but not all schools may define their core courses of study in this way. A core course of study typically does not include electives —optional courses that students choose to take and that may or may not satisfy credit requirements for graduation.

The general educational purpose of a core course of study is to ensure that all students take and complete courses that are considered to be academically and culturally essential—i.e., the courses that teach students the foundational knowledge and skills they will need in college, careers, and adult life. Yet depending on the structure of the academic program in a particular school, the core course of study may be different for some students. For example, some schools offer distinct academic programs in parallel with their regular academic programs—such as International Baccalaureate or theme-based academies , among many other possible options—and students enrolled in these programs will likely have to satisfy different requirements to complete the program or earn a diploma.

Credits are awarded when students complete a course with a passing grade. Therefore, increasing subject-area credit requirements effectively increases course requirements. This is why states may attempt to influence the quality or effectiveness of academic programs by modifying state-mandated credit requirements: schools may offer a wide variety of math courses and academic tracks, but they all offer courses in the subject area of math. Still, there is a nuanced distinction between core academic courses and credit requirements: some history courses, for example, may be elective in a school while others are considered part of the core course of study. To complete the core course of study and satisfy a school’s graduation requirements, then, students will need to pass the required history courses , not just earn a specified number of history credits .

For decades, high schools have typically used some form of graduation requirements to ensure that students complete a specified selection of courses before they are awarded a diploma. States have also passed legislation that determined minimum credit requirements in a selection of subject areas for public high schools, although districts and schools can elect to increase those requirements. To this day, graduation requirements still vary considerably from state to state and school to school, both in terms of (1) the total number of courses or credits required in each subject and (2) the kinds of courses or learning experiences required.

In the latter part of the twentieth century, however, graduation requirements—including mandatory courses and other learning experiences, such computer-literacy or community-service requirements—became objects of reform. Growing calls to improve academic achievement and student preparation led states, districts, and schools to increase course and credit requirements as a mechanism for elevating academic expectations and improving education results. For example, many states moved to require that all public high school students complete four “years” (or credits) in English, and to increase credit requirements for math, science, or social studies from two years (a formerly common requirement) to three or four years. Some states even now require students to complete specific courses, not just specific credit requirements—for example, students may be required to complete four “years” of math up to and including courses deemed to be at an “Algebra II” level or above. Schools also used the core course of study, and any attendant graduation requirements, as a way to improve the academic achievement, attainment, and preparation of more students, while also mitigating learning loss , learning gaps , achievement gaps , and opportunity gaps .

Pedagogically and philosophically, the core course of study, as a reform strategy, is related to concepts such as access , equity , high expectations , and rigor . The basic rationale is that increasing requirements in the “core” subjects will not only improve student learning and skill acquisition, but it will give graduates more educational and career options because they will graduate better educated and prepared. The core course of study, as a reform strategy, is also related to learning standards (i.e., the general educational intent is similar), but course requirements are distinct from standards: a core course of study establishes minimum course requirements, while standards establish minimum learning requirements. Many learning standards may be addressed or taught in a course, but standards are not specific to certain courses (although they are typically organized by subject area and grade level). Learning standards describe knowledge and skill expectations, but those standards can be met either within or outside of a course.

Some education leaders question whether it is sufficient or useful to simply require students to take more courses, when such requirements do not guarantee that students will actually learn more in certain subject area or graduate better prepared for adult life. Since courses may be more challenging or less challenging, and since students may learn a lot or not learn much in any given course, many educators argue that states, districts, and schools should require students to meet learning standards, not just complete courses, because standards describe the specific knowledge and skills students are expected to acquire. For example, reform strategies such as proficiency-based learning require students to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills outlined in learning standards before they can pass a course, move on to the next grade level, or graduate. If schools have a core course of study in place, students may take more courses, but they may also be able to pass those courses with low grades and without having acquired the knowledge and skills described in learning standards.

Less commonly, core courses of study, learning standards, and other attempts to standardize what gets taught in schools may be perceived by some parents or public figures as a form of “forced curriculum ”—i.e., an attempt to control what gets taught to students. In most cases, such criticism mirrors larger political debates and ideological fault lines in the United States, such as whether and how schools should teach the science of evolution (a highly politicized topic). While core courses of study and learning standards are, in fact, overt attempts to standardize education and ensure that students learn certain foundational knowledge and skills, the majority of educators do not see ominous or ideological intent behind these strategies.

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• academic year
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• immersion course
• on a course
• open admissions
• the national curriculum
• work placement

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a toy made from cloth and filled with a soft material so that it is pleasant to hold, often in the form of an animal

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High School Course Selection Guide

• Sasha Chada
• March 6, 2023

Table of Contents

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The courses you take matter in high school, as this is likely the first time in your academic career that you have any choice in what classes you will take. There are electives, honor courses, AP classes, and different tracks you can follow. While your choices are limited, and some are made for you, your options grow more expansive as you advance through high school.

In this article we will outline how tracking and course selection work in high schools generally, give general advice on how to select courses, and then go through some of the questions we hear most often from students on course selection. For advice on AP courses specifically, see our guide to AP classes , or our International Baccalaureate guide for advice on them. Let’s get started!

High School Course Tracking

Most high schools have several “tracks” of coursework that students follow. Generally these are remedial, on level, and honors/advanced. We recommend all students who are interested in college pursue the honors/advanced track if possible. Colleges use your high school course load to estimate both your academic aptitude and motivation, and taking a less-than-challenging course load indicates to admissions officers that you aren’t fully committed academically.

It can be difficult to change which track you are on once it is set. Once you are “behind,” it becomes much harder to catch up. We recommend all students aim for the honors track when they first enter high school, or earlier if it is an option before then.

Which track you end up on is determined by school, but is usually based on performance in middle school, and your teacher’s recommendations there. Parental advocacy can be a thumb on the scale here however. If you are concerned about which track you are on, and which courses are available to you, scheduling a meeting with a guidance counselor can be useful. These should be polite, and framed in the context of trying to get your student the resources that will best serve them.

Some schools have specific tests which determine which track you will be on. These are generally administered at the end of 8th grade. Other schools begin tracking even earlier, with the separation between honors and on-level students beginning in middle school. Each district, and often each individual school handles this differently, based on the edicts of their particular school board, state, principal, and other influences. 

How Course Selection Works Logistically

This varies greatly between high schools, but most have some basic requirements you need to fulfill in order to graduate. You need a certain number of years of English, math, science, social science/history, a foreign language, and gym. Individual schools can have their own requirements, such as health courses or driver’s ed. These are the minimum requirements to graduate; more than the minimum is generally expected by admissions officers.

Around and within these requirements, you have room for electives. This again varies greatly by high school, as are which courses are available. Most actual course selection is done online now, though you will likely be required to meet with a counselor to gear recommendations on courses to take, and to advise you on the process generally. Most counselors will agree with any plan you present to them, so we recommend formulating a plan early on in high school to take you through all four years.

One time counselors will not automatically sign off on a schedule is when they think you are taking a course which is not on-level for you; this can mean taking a course they think is above your level, or one which is too easy for you. To take a harder course, you may need to get your parents involved, or find a teacher willing to vouch that you are prepared for the more rigorous curriculum. 

Some courses also have limited availability. There are only so many teachers at a school who are qualified to teach AP Calculus for example, and they can only offer so many sections of it. Schools will try to balance supply and demand, but yearly variations can cause issues here. If you are unable to get into a course you requested online, you will need to meet with your counselor in person to try to resolve the issue. 

High School Course Selection FAQ

Here are some of the most common questions we hear from students and parents regarding course selection.

Is it better to get a B in an AP or an A in a regular class?

We generally recommend going for the AP class. Admissions officers prefer to see that students have challenged themselves academically. A perfect GPA is less impressive if admissions officers see that you avoided courses which are generally considered difficult. They may also question if you are ready for the rigors of college if you went out of your way to avoid classes which are advertised as “college level.”

Can I take free periods?

We generally recommend this only if you are involved with an extracurricular at a very high level which takes up almost all of their time (such as preparing for a sport at an Olympic level), or are taking the most challenging load of courses and really need the extra time to work on homework and studying. In most cases, even a less challenging elective looks better on a transcript than simply taking time off. You should never have more than one free period per semester.

Some schools have built in free periods, which come opposite double length “lab” periods for science classes. Having these as free periods is fine, and will not impact your admissions chances. 

We do recommend taking lunch every year, even if you do have the option to take another class instead. Proper nutrition is very important for growing students, and the extra class you take will not matter to admissions officers.

Do language APs still count if it’s my first/second language?

Yes. While it may not be the best class to take if you are already fluent, taking the AP exam can confirm fluency, or taking the class can help you solidify a less formal grasp on grammar and construction.

Note that this is also why AP Chinese is usually rated as one of the easiest AP classes, despite being taken by so few students. There is no shame in taking a language you are already fluent in, indeed, it is a common strategy for students to get an “easy” AP credit in.

What if there’s an elective I want to take that doesn’t relate to my main focus?

That depends on how much time it will take, and whether your schedule will be better served by another course. My high school limited the number of academic courses you could take, so I had elective credits in cooking, personal finance, and acting. That said, if an elective requires a major investment of time, then you should consider why you want to take it in the first place. If the course represents a major passion of yours that you want to explore, you can consider making it a larger portion of your Candidacy Building, and part of the activities you pursue more generally for colleges.

Are AP or IB courses better?

Colleges do not favor AP or IB over each other in a vacuum. Both can allow you to qualify for college credit, and both are generally the most challenging courses offered by a high school. For more information on what each program offers specifically, see our guide to AP courses , and our guide to the IB curriculum . 

Do I need four years of each core academic subject?

While the actual course requirements for entry vary greatly by college, most do want you to have three or four years in each core academic subject at a minimum. The question we respond with is therefore: what else would you do instead? What courses would you take in place of your core subjects?

We generally recommend sticking with the core, unless you are replacing one with an extracurricular for a specific purpose. AP credits in high school can get you out of taking the same courses again in college, and most schools want to admit students who have gone above and beyond the bare minimum of academic preparation. 

Final Thoughts

We have done our best to cover the most common questions we are asked about course selection by high school students, but we know we haven’t covered every eventuality. There are thousands of schools, each with their own quirks and courses, and their own problems to vex students and parents alike.

If you are looking for advice specific to your own situation, or want our help plotting your course through high school, schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can help you. Our candidacy building service is designed to help students like you make the most of your time in high school, and we always enjoy hearing from you, and helping you succeed. 

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[ kawrs -wurk , kohrs - ]

• the work required of a student in a particular course of study; classroom work .
• curricular studies or academic work .

/ ˈkɔːsˌwɜːk /

• written or oral work completed by a student within a given period, which is assessed as an integral part of an educational course

Word History and Origins

Origin of coursework 1

Example Sentences

Derek Dodson is practicing with the Georgetown University soccer team for a rescheduled season while preparing for the resumption of senior coursework next week.

In San Diego, and throughout the state, an unconscionable number of students are failing or haven’t completed their coursework.

She took a full load of classes in the spring, summer and fall, and in November completed all the coursework for an undergraduate degree in psychology.

Pevzner, who took over the program in 2017, still heads into the field—though day to day he focuses more on developing coursework and swapping insights with similar programs around the world.

Although most schools have increased their offerings of online coursework, the number and sizes of in-person classes vary widely, as does the density of students in on-campus housing.

Digital art coursework at the Rhode Island School of Design simultaneous with an English Ph.D. at Yale?

Her pre-college education had been weak, and Leo was utterly unprepared for the academic part of the coursework.

An obsession with college preparation permeated all of our coursework.

The ad-hocs spent their time badmouthing the profs and tearing apart their coursework.

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Differences in Coursework Between High School and College

The transition from high school to college is a significant and transformative journey, marked by newfound independence, personal growth, and academic challenges. One of the most striking differences for students is the shift in coursework. The academic expectations, teaching methods, and level of autonomy change as students move from the structured environment of high school to the more dynamic and self-directed world of college. In this article, we explore the key differences in coursework between high school and college , helping students understand what to expect and how to thrive in their higher education journey.

Academic Rigor and Depth

College coursework is characterized by a deeper level of academic rigor and complexity. The material covered in college classes is often more in-depth and requires critical thinking, analysis, and independent research. Unlike high school, where teachers guide students through the curriculum, college professors expect students to engage with the material at a higher level and take responsibility for their own learning.

Class Structure and Size

High school classes are usually structured with a set schedule, consistent meeting times, and a small group of students. In contrast, college classes can vary widely in terms of structure and size. Students may have classes that meet only a few times a week, with larger class sizes ranging from tens to hundreds of students. This shift requires students to adapt to different teaching styles and take initiative to seek help when needed.

Class Schedule Flexibility

College offers greater flexibility in creating class schedules. Students have the freedom to choose their courses and often have a wider range of class times to accommodate their preferences. This flexibility allows students to balance their coursework with other commitments, but it also requires effective time management skills to ensure all obligations are met.

Independent Learning and Responsibility

College places a strong emphasis on independent learning. Unlike high school, where teachers closely monitor progress and assignments, college professors provide general guidelines and expect students to manage their time and assignments on their own. This level of autonomy requires self-discipline, organization, and the ability to set priorities.

Coursework Volume and Time Management

College coursework often involves a higher volume of reading, research, and assignments. Students must learn effective time management strategies to juggle multiple classes, assignments, and extracurricular activities. Procrastination can lead to overwhelming workloads, highlighting the importance of planning and staying ahead of deadlines.

Assessment and Grading Criteria

The assessment methods and grading criteria in college can differ significantly from high school. While high school may rely heavily on periodic exams and standardized testing, college assessment methods can include a mix of exams, essays, research papers, group projects, presentations, and class participation. Grading in college may also be based on a smaller number of assignments, placing greater weight on each individual assessment.

Availability of Resources

College campuses offer a wealth of resources to support students' academic success. These resources include libraries, research centers, tutoring services, and academic advisors. College students are encouraged to actively seek out these resources to enhance their learning experience and receive guidance when needed.

Critical Thinking and Intellectual Exploration

College encourages students to engage in critical thinking, intellectual exploration, and the pursuit of knowledge beyond the classroom. Professors often encourage students to question assumptions, analyze diverse perspectives, and develop their own informed opinions. This emphasis on critical thinking fosters intellectual growth and prepares students for complex problem-solving in various contexts.

The shift in coursework from high school to college is a transformative journey that challenges students to embrace independence, deepen their academic engagement, and refine their critical thinking skills. Understanding the differences in academic rigor, class structure, independence, and assessment methods can empower students to navigate the challenges of college coursework successfully. By embracing these differences and adopting effective study habits and time management strategies, students can thrive academically and make the most of their college experience.

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How and Why to Take Advanced High School Classes

Advanced placement (ap) program.

Taking challenging classes in high school is a great way to build new skills. And it will serve you well when you get to college because you'll be more prepared for the work. In a recent survey of first-year college students, more than half of the students surveyed said they wished they had worked harder in high school.

Challenging classes, such as honors and college-level courses , also help you get into college. They are exactly what admissions officers like to see on applications.

There are other good reasons to switch classes in high school to honors and college-level courses. In the survey mentioned above, most students who took college-level courses as part of the Advanced Placement® or International Baccalaureate programs said that these classes were more worthwhile and interesting than others.

Experience a Different Approach

Honors and college-level courses differ from regular classes in various ways. Here’s a brief overview of some of the classes that may be available to you:

• Honors classes  usually cover similar material as regular classes but at a faster pace or more deeply than regular classes
• College Board's AP Program offers college-level classes that help students develop and apply skills, such as reading critically, solving problems analytically, and writing clearly. More than 30 classes are available.
• The  IB program  offers college-level classes that stress developing your thinking skills and an awareness of global issues.
• College course s may be available for you to take while still in high school, either at your school or on a college campus.

Find Your Passion

Courses like these can introduce you to topics and ideas not covered in the regular classroom. For example, AP courses include Chinese Language and Culture, Environmental Science, and Psychology. This range of subjects allows you to explore your interests and develop new passions. You may even discover the subject that will become your college major or the focus of your career.

Build Important Skills

Honors and college-level courses can help you learn the skills and habits you'll need for success in college and beyond. They’ll allow you to develop:

• Stronger writing skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Time-management skills
• Good study habits

Prepare for College

Showing that you're willing to push yourself by taking rigorous classes in high school can help when you're applying to college. The level of courses you take now is one of the first things colleges look at.

In addition, college courses, IB classes and exams, and AP Exams may lead to college credit, advanced placement, or both in college. This means you may be able to skip some basic college courses and move directly into interesting, advanced classes. This also may allow you to free up enough time to pursue a double major or study abroad.

Take the Plunge

Once you decide to challenge yourself with honors or college-level courses, talk with your school counselor, teacher, or principal. They can help you get information about a course's workload, any preparation you might need, and how to sign up for this type of class.

Are challenging high school classes, such as honors classes, the same as AP?

Challenging classes, such as honors classes, and Advanced Placement (AP) classes are different. Honors classes are high school courses that are more rigorous than standard courses, but they don't offer college credit. An honors class gives students more in-depth knowledge of a specific subject

What does “challenging” or “advanced” mean in high school?

Advanced or challenging high school courses typically cover more material and require more independent work than standard courses. Students in advanced classes are expected to read, write, and think at a higher level. These courses may also have higher expectations for participation and require engagement in classroom discussions and group projects.

Is it worth it to take advanced classes in high school?

Taking advanced classes in high school can provide numerous benefits for students. Advanced classes, such as honors classes, college-level classes like AP or IB, or classes taken at a college, prepare students for college coursework, may earn you college credit, and demonstrate academic ability. Some high schools might also provide additional “weight’ to your GPA for advanced classes. Learn more about how to calculate your GPA.

What’s considered an advanced class?

An advanced class, such as an honors or college-level class, requires more effort than standard or regular courses in the same subject. These courses are designed to provide students with a fuller understanding of the subject matter. They also provide the opportunity to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. The specific requirements and expectations for honors and college-level classes can vary depending on the school or district.

Which is harder, AP or honors?

AP classes are typically considered more challenging than honors classes. AP courses require students to learn and apply advanced concepts and skills as they engage in college-level coursework. On the other hand, honors classes in high school are advanced courses within a specific subject designed to provide students with a more in-depth understanding of the material.

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Creating Homeschool Transcripts

September 9, 2024

You made it through (what seemed to be) the hardest years of life as you managed to get your first child through homeschooling. Now it’s time to apply to colleges, but you realize that you have no transcript, and all the stress of trying to figure out how to create one has crept in. Creating a transcript is not as daunting as it seems at first. Let’s look at some common questions homeschooling parents often have about transcripts.

What Is a Transcript and Why Do I Need It?

Essentially, a transcript is a record of a student’s high school coursework that provides a quick reference to information such as courses, grades, and GPA. Here’s what should be included in a transcript:

• Student information (name, birthdate, address)
• School information (name and address)
• Courses taken (including month/year completed, credits earned, and grades received)
• Graduation date
• Grading scale
• Signature and date

We’ll talk in more detail about courses later.

High schoolers need a transcript, regardless of what they’re doing after graduation. If they are planning on going to college, they will need to provide a transcript to that college for acceptance. If they’re planning on pursuing a vocation after graduation, they might have to present their transcript to their potential employer.

How Do I Keep Records Organized?

Check your state standards (https://hslda.org/legal) to make sure your high school student is taking the appropriate courses to graduate. These standards vary by state, so be sure that you’re looking at your specific state’s homeschool laws.

After figuring out what your state standards are, track what courses your student is taking and keep record of grades, credits, and GPA. Consider using an Excel spreadsheet like this to track what classes they took each year of high school:

You could also use a physical gradebook to help you keep track of classes. Be sure to start with their first high school level class, even if they took it when they were in middle school. If you’re diligent in keeping track of this information, creating a transcript will be easy.

What if My Student Was Not Homeschooled the Entire Time?

This is a question that can tend to confuse parents because their child’s high school career was not done in one place. Here are some scenarios that may apply to your high schooler:

• Started homeschooling but finished at another school: If you fall into this category, you will need to send the transcript of what was completed during homeschool to the child’s high school, and the school will create the transcript showing both places of education.
• Started at a school but finished with homeschooling : Request a transcript from the school showing the classes the student took while attending and add it to the transcript you’re creating for homeschool. (Note: If the grading scale at the school is different from the grading scale you use, indicate both grading scales on the transcript.)
• Request for the college to send an official transcript to the college being applied to.
• Add the courses to your transcript if they were taken to meet state standards. Note which classes were college courses and where they were offered.

How Do I Consider Classes and Their Weight?

Trying to figure out how the grading scale and class weighting works can be very overwhelming, but if you use these charts to help you out, you can simplify the process.

Most high school classes are 1.0 credit. Some of them are 0.5 credit, depending on the workload. You can also think of it in terms of this:

Grading Scale

Abeka uses the following scale to assign students grades:

Follow this grading scale to help determine what letter grade your student earned in the class, which will help determine the “points” he earned for that class.

Grade Points

GPA (grade point average) is determined by finding the average of how many points a student earned in his classes. Here is a simple grade point scale based on the letter earned:

This is where calculating the GPA can get a little tricky because if a student takes a higher-level class, the GPA is worth more. Let’s take a quick look at the difference between unweighted and weighted GPAs:

Unweighted GPAs

Unweighted GPAs are configured based on the regular classes a high school student takes. It requires the normal amount of work and follows the general scale (as seen above).

Weighted GPAs

A student who has taken classes that demand more work is eligible to receive a weighted GPA. For example, honors, AP, and college classes would fall into the weighted GPA category. Typically, an honors class receives an extra 0.5 grade point; and an AP/college class receives an extra 1.0 grade point. However, because the difficulty level has increased, the scale becomes a little bit more structured based on the level of the letter they received. Therefore, the scale for weighted GPAs would look like this:

In theory, a student who makes a B in an AP class receives the same amount of grade points as a person who makes an A in a regular class. Weighted GPAs help to separate those who are excelling in academics. The good news about weighted vs. unweighted GPAs is that colleges look at both and see the level of achievement in both.

GPA Calculations

When it comes time to calculate the GPA for the year, start by doing these two simple steps:

• Assign each letter grade to the corresponding GPA.
• Multiply the GPA by the credit amount.

Let’s do an example of what this looks like:

Once you have figured out the actual GPA for each class, follow these three steps:

• Add the GPA (4+3+3+4+2+1.5= 17.5)
• Add the total credits (1+1+1+1+.5+.5= 5)
• Divide GPA/credits (17.5/5= 3.5)

The student’s GPA for the yar would be 3.5.

To find the cumulative GPA (total GPA while in high school), add up each year’s grade points and divide by the number of credits taken over those years.

You can also use a homeschool GPA calculator to help you ensure your calculations are correct.

How Do I Make a Transcript?

Calculating the GPA is really the most difficult part of making a transcript. Once you have all that information correct, it’s time to put it into a transcript. The easiest way to create a template is by using a transcript template . These templates make it simple for you to plug in the information you’ve been keeping track of, and you don’t have to worry about formatting it to look official.

Use the checklist mentioned at the beginning to help you make sure you’ve included everything in your transcript. Worried about making it official? All you need is the signature of the school administrator—you! You don’t need it notarized or pressed with an official seal. It really is that easy!

In addition to creating a transcript, many colleges would like to see a separate page that includes course descriptions. This would just be a sentence or couple sentence description of what the course covered. If you use curriculum, like Abeka, you can find a course description in the materials.

What Are Some Resources I Can Use?

Besides the Excel spreadsheet and the gradebook mentioned in the organization section, there are a few apps that you can use to help track grades and help as you create your transcript:

• Homeschool Planet
• Homeschool Reporting Online

Whether you use an app to help record grades, or an Excel spreadsheet, or even a physical gradebook, save yourself the headache of trying to remember all the grades when it comes time to create your transcript. Feel like it’s already too late? Get started today by catching up on what you haven’t recorded and stay on track from this point forward! Don’t dread creating a transcript—make it easy later by staying on top of it today!

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Rigorous academics refer to the perceived difficulty of your high school courses. While your GPA is an important admissions factor, your level of academic rigor is equally as important. This is because students who take lots of Honors, AP, IB, and college courses demonstrate their willingness and ability to challenge themselves academically. 

There are lots of factors that college admissions officers look for in an applicant , but mostly, they are looking for applicants who are the most likely to succeed within their school’s curriculum. Ultimately, this is why taking rigorous courses and consistently challenging yourself reflects well on your college applications. 

As a high school student, you likely have questions such as: Are AP classes worth it? And what does academic rigor mean? In this article, we will review the importance of course rigor and the tangible effects it can have on your college applications. 

Academic rigor definition

To start, what is academic rigor and why is it so important? Academic rigor refers to how difficult a particular course is. For example, AP, IB, and AICE classes are all recognized for their academic rigor. Similarly, Honors courses and classes taken at local colleges are also considered rigorous. Students don’t need to take every advanced class available to them, but they should take as many advanced courses as they can comfortably balance. 

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What college admissions offices really want

College admissions officers want to admit capable and passionate students. This is why students who have successfully managed rigorous coursework in high school are often favored in college admissions. While it’s important to earn good grades and perform well on standardized tests, it is equally important to challenge yourself. 

College admissions officers admire students who are more concerned with the rigor of their coursework and their ability to receive a top-notch education than students who are more concerned with earning perfect grades. Colleges also want to see evidence that students are eager to take advanced courses in subjects they are interested in and can maintain (or increase) their level of academic rigor throughout their high school career. 

The importance of AP classes

High school students often have the following questions: Do AP classes matter? Are AP classes hard? And how many AP classes should I be taking ? 

There are many AP classes benefits. Depending on your final AP test score, you may qualify for college credit. Ultimately, this means that you will have more room in your college schedule to take more electives or take lighter course loads. In some cases, if you’ve taken enough AP classes, you may even be able to graduate a semester early. Of course, this all depends on the college you attend and its policies. 

Taking AP classes will also help prepare you for college-level classes. Colleges recognize this and are more likely to accept a student with a high GPA and a history of rigorous coursework. Colleges want to accept students who demonstrate a willingness and ability to challenge themselves by taking advanced courses. 

How many AP classes are there?

CollegeBoard offers 38 AP Classes. While not all of these courses will be available at every school, if you see a class you are interested in taking that is currently not offered at your school, reach out to your high school guidance counselor to learn how you can sign up for the course online. 

While CollegeBoard recommends that you enroll in an official AP course before taking its corresponding exam, it is possible to self-study for an exam. If you choose to prepare for an exam on your own, ask your guidance counselor about where you can take the exam.  Tweet

How many AP classes should i take?

How many AP classes you should take depends primarily on two factors: how many AP classes your high school offers and how many AP classes you can successfully manage. In most cases, getting a B in an AP class is seen more favorably than receiving an A in an Honors or standard class. That said, earning a C in an AP class won’t impress college admissions officers. Do your best to try to strike a balance. Take classes that challenge but don’t overwhelm you. Ask your teachers and guidance counselor to help advise you on which classes to take. 

AP classes list

Let’s take a look at the 38 AP courses currently offered. Again, if you see a class you’re interested in taking that isn’t offered at your school, it may be possible to take this course online. Reach out to your high school guidance counselor for further instruction.

History and social sciences

• AP Comparative Government and Politics
• AP European History
• AP Human Geography
• AP Macroeconomics
• AP Microeconomics
• AP Psychology
• AP United States Government and Politics
• AP United States History
• AP World History: Modern
• AP Chemistry
• AP Environmental Science
• AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
• AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
• AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
• AP Physics C: Mechanics

World Languages and cultures

• AP Chinese Language and Culture
• AP French Language and Culture
• AP German Language and Culture
• AP Italian Language and Culture
• AP Japanese Language and Culture
• AP Spanish Language and Culture
• AP Spanish Literature and Culture
• AP English Language and Composition
• AP English Literature and Composition

AP Capstone Diploma Program

• AP Research

Math and computer science

• AP Calculus AB
• AP Calculus BC
• AP Computer Science A
• AP Computer Science Principles
• AP Statistics
• AP Art and Design 
• AP Art History
• AP Music Theory

Source: collegeboard.org

AP classes ranked by difficulty

According to CollegeVine , the three most difficult AP classes are AP Physics 1, AP US History, and AP Chemistry, and the three easiest AP classes are AP Psychology, AP Comparative Government and Politics, and AP Environmental Science. 

AP classes online

College admissions officers will not penalize students for not having access to AP classes as a part of their high school curriculum. After all, each school is different and not all schools have equal resources. That said, it is possible to take AP classes online. Capable students without access to AP classes should look into taking a few online courses. This will demonstrate their ability and willingness to challenge themselves and actively seek out academic opportunities. 

Do AP classes boost your GPA?

It’s no secret that your high school GPA is one of the most important admissions factors. To encourage students to challenge themselves, high schools will sometimes incentivize taking rigorous classes by offering “weighted GPAs.” 

So if you’re wondering do AP classes boost GPA? The answer is yes. If your school calculates weighted GPAs and you want to know how much AP classes boost your GPA, AP classes add 1 point to your GPA. This means that a 4.0 would be counted as a 5.0. Likewise, an unweighted GPA of 3.2 would be considered a 4.2. For Honors classes, weighted GPAs add .5 to your unweighted GPA.

Examples of academic rigor

To further demonstrate the importance of academic rigor, let’s take a look at some academic rigor examples. Let’s say two students from the same school have the same GPA but one student took 4 AP classes, whereas the other student only took 1 AP course. The student with a more rigorous course load will be considered more favorably. 

Let’s look at another example: Student A has a 4.0 GPA but only enrolled in standard classes, despite the fact that both Honors and AP courses were available to them. Student B has a 3.0 GPA but enrolled mostly in Honors classes and took 2 AP classes. Even though Student B has a lower GPA, their willingness to challenge themself by taking more rigorous courses sets their application above Student A. 

Key takeaways and moving forward

Preparing for college can feel confusing at times. After all, there are so many factors to consider. This is why it is important to make the most of the resources available to you. Meet with your teachers and high school guidance counselor to help you with your course selection. Course rigor is one of the most important college admissions factors, so consider your high school courseload carefully. If you feel like you could benefit from having professional guidance throughout your high school career and the college application process, reach out to learn more about our services

• October 24, 2022
• College Admissions , High school tips

What is Course Rigor? How This Can Help Your Admissions Narrative

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What a new junior high in Stratford could mean for Charlottetown schools

• 9 hours ago
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A recent report from P.E.I.'s Public Schools Branch recommended a new junior high be built in Stratford, among the moves urged to alleviate pressure on Charlottetown's three intermediate schools. CBC's Kerry Campbell spoke with Maria Lavoie, principal of Stonepark Intermediate, about the PSB's report and the challenges at her school.  

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What Is High School Honors? Societies and Classes

Coursework/GPA

High school honors can mean a lot of different things. Sometimes it refers to honors courses in your school. Other times it refers to specific honors societies that you can join, like the National Honor Society.

Most high schools offer classes at three different levels: standard, honors, and AP. Standard will set you up with the basics, and AP is clearly connected to the AP exam—but what exactly does it mean when a class is honors level? And are honors classes connected to the various academic honors societies?

If you are having trouble figuring out which is the right fit for you, or deciding which one would do more for your college application, or trying to make sense of the many honors organizations out there, read on for our explanation.

What's the Difference Between Standard, Honors, and AP Classes?

Before getting a sense of whether honors is right for you, it's a good idea to understand the differences between the levels of classes offered in high school. Of course the details vary by school. Some schools don’t even have honors classes, or only have honors classes in the subjects where they do not have AP classes. But here is the typical set up. (Please note that since IB diploma classes are very similar to AP classes in terms of level, for the sake of simplicity we are just going to talk about AP here).

Before you dive off the highest board, make sure you can swim.

Standard (or college prep) classes give you a solid foundation in a particular subject . In other words, you will learn the basics of what you need to know to continue studying that subject in high school and eventually, college.

Honors classes move faster, and are harder, more in-depth, and have more complex assignments than standard classes. That means that you will learn a broader, more contextualized, more richly detailed version of the subject, and be much more ready to study it at a college level. Doing well in an honors class may improve your GPA more than a regular class, especially when your school calculates your weighted GPA. (Confused by what we mean? Let us explain the differences between a weighted and unweighted GPA .)

AP classes are meant to prepare students to take the AP exam for that subject. They are also harder and more rigorous than the standard level, but their focus may be slightly different in order to accommodate everything that is on the AP test. One big difference between honors and AP classes is the question of prerequisites. Honors classes may or may not have a prerequisite for getting in—ask your school counselor for the details. In contrast, any student is by policy supposed to be allowed to take any AP class if that's what he or she wants.

To get the full scoop on the differences between honors and AP classes in your school, talk to a teacher in the Department you’re interested in, or your school counselor for a broader overview.

Should I Take Honors or AP?

If you know that you are ready for a challenge, and want to pursue a higher level of a particular class, how do you decide between honors and AP?

Take the AP class if you are trying to optimize your college applications. AP is a better bet here, especially if you are planning to take the AP test, because this is a nationwide criteria that colleges can use to judge your skills and abilities against of those of applicants across the whole country. Also doing well on the AP test can earn you college credit, or at least place you out of intro classes when you get to college.

Take the honors class if you are interested in a subject and your school does not have an AP version of it . It’s better to take honors than standard level and demonstrate that you are willing to challenge yourself. You should also take the honors class if it is taught by an amazing teacher who doesn't also teach AP. You can never overemphasizes the huge—really, lifelong!—rewards of learning from a fantastic teacher.

Should I Join a High School Honors Society?

For those who are passionate about or excel in specific subjects in school, honors can come from societies set up specifically to recognize these kinds of achievements. If the organization creates opportunities for you to do meaningful extracurricular projects or activities, then it is definitely worthwhile . Remember, unless you can describe a significant project than you did because of the society, simply being a member of one does not make a particularly impressive edition to your college application.

But you have to be careful! There are also organizations that mimic legitimate honor societies in order to make money from naive students. For example, beware for-profit and non-chapter-based organizations like the National Society of High School Scholars which purposefully uses a confusing name that is very close to a legitimate organization, the National Honors Society.

How can you tell the real honors organizations from predatory ones? Legitimate honor societies only work through chapters established in each high school. Any organization that requires you to send in dues or to apply not through your school is most likely a scam or a for-profit company.

What Legitimate Honors Societies Are There?

Here are the most well-known organizations around the country, grouped by subject.

General Achievement Societies

• The National Honors Society is an organization established to recognize those outstanding high school students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Membership is based on the four pillars of National Honor Society: character, scholarship, leadership, and service.
• The Cum Laude Society is dedicated to honoring scholastic achievement in secondary schools. The founders of the society modeled Cum Laude after Phi Beta Kappa.
• The California Scholarship Federation is a state-wide organization to honor outstanding high school students in California.

Subject-Specific Societies

• The Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (SHH) is an honor society for high school students enrolled in Spanish and/or Portuguese, sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP ). The mission of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica is to recognize high school achievement in Spanish and Portuguese and to promote interest in Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian studies.
• The Société Honoraire de Français is an honor society for high school students taking French, sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF), the largest national association of French teachers in the world. This society provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding scholarship in the study of French language.
• Delta Epsilon Phi (ΔΕΦ) National Honor Society for High School Students of German recognizes the outstanding academic achievement of learners of German.
• The Tri-M Music Honor Society is the international music honor society for middle/junior high and high school students. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership.
• Mu Alpha Theta is dedicated to inspiring keen interest in mathematics, developing strong scholarship in the subject, and promoting the enjoyment of mathematics in high school and two-year college students.
• Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society is the only national organization for high school juniors and seniors that recognizes excellence in the field of Social Studies. Rho Kappa provides national recognition and opportunities for exploration in the social studies.
• The National Art Honor Society (NAHS) is designed specifically to inspire and recognize high school students who have shown an outstanding ability and interest in art.

What’s Next?

If you are interested in joining any of these honors societies, talk to you school counselor or a teacher about establishing a chapter at your school.

If you want help deciding between AP and IB classes , let us help you with our guide.

Want to see each subject broken down by year and level? We can explain which high school English, math, science, history, foreign language, and electives you should take and when:

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Ready to set up a challenging curriculum? Check out our discussion of just what makes a course load rigorous .

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Anna scored in the 99th percentile on her SATs in high school, and went on to major in English at Princeton and to get her doctorate in English Literature at Columbia. She is passionate about improving student access to higher education.

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