| Graduation Requirements | College and Career Readiness Considerations | College Admissions and Scholarship Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 Credits – English / Language Arts | Focus on reading, writing, speaking, and research skills. Take challenging courses when appropriate and build strong communication skills for college, careers, and life. | Colleges often look for strong grades in core classes. Rigorous coursework, GPA, and writing ability can strengthen both admissions and scholarship applications. |
| 3.0 Credits – Math | Complete required math courses and choose additional math based on career goals. Students interested in STEM should consider taking math beyond Secondary Math 3 when possible. | Many colleges prefer students who continue math through senior year. Advanced math can improve readiness for college placement and STEM pathways. |
| 3.0 Credits – Science | Choose science courses that align with your goals and interests. Students interested in STEM fields should consider taking additional science beyond the minimum. | Competitive programs may expect a stronger science background, especially in health, engineering, and science-related majors. |
| 3.5 Credits – Social Studies | Build a strong understanding of history, government, geography, and global issues. Choose electives that support civic awareness and career interests. | Strong performance in social studies supports college readiness, especially for majors related to education, law, government, business, and the social sciences. |
| 1.5 Credits – Fine Arts | Use fine arts to build creativity, discipline, and depth in an area of interest. | Fine arts can strengthen a student profile and demonstrate long-term involvement and talent development. |
| 1.0 Credit – Career and Technical Education (CTE) | Explore career pathways and take courses that build skills, certifications, and real-world experience. | CTE pathways can support scholarship eligibility, career planning, and workforce readiness. |
| 1.5 Credits – Physical Education | Build lifelong wellness habits and physical literacy. | Good attendance and completion of PE support graduation progress and overall student success. |
| 0.5 Credit – Health | Learn essential health knowledge for personal well-being and responsible decision-making. | Health supports overall readiness for independent living and postsecondary success. |
| 0.5 Credit – Digital Studies | Build computer, technology, and digital productivity skills needed for school and work. | Digital skills are increasingly important for college assignments, applications, and workplace readiness. |
| 0.5 Credit – Financial Literacy | Develop budgeting, credit, saving, and financial decision-making skills. | Financial literacy helps students prepare for college costs, scholarships, and adult responsibilities. |
| 8.0 Credits – Electives | Choose electives that give you depth, not just credits. Consider pathways, interests, leadership, service, and advanced coursework. | Electives can help show direction, commitment, and strengths. Colleges and scholarships may value leadership, service, work-based learning, languages, and advanced coursework. |
| 27.0 Total Credits | Monitor your graduation progress every year and revise your plan as needed. | A strong 4-year plan can support both graduation and postsecondary opportunities. |
College & Career Readiness
Graduation requirements are the foundation, but students should also think about how their course choices connect to future goals. Choose classes that help build skills, explore interests, and prepare for life after high school.
Use electives with purpose. Rather than filling a schedule with random classes, students are encouraged to build depth in an area of interest, pathway, or career goal. This can help students stay engaged and better prepare for college, training programs, military service, or the workforce.
Students should also consider taking more rigorous coursework when appropriate. Honors, AP, Concurrent Enrollment, and pathway courses can provide valuable preparation and help students challenge themselves academically.
College Admission & Scholarship Considerations
Meeting graduation requirements is important, but some colleges and scholarship programs may look beyond the minimum credit requirements. They may consider GPA, course rigor, leadership, service, extracurricular activities, attendance, and overall student involvement.
Students planning to attend college may benefit from taking additional academic coursework beyond the minimum requirements. Thoughtful course planning can open more opportunities after high school and help students feel more prepared for what comes next.
Plan Ahead
Students should review their graduation progress regularly and meet with their counselor each year to make sure they are on track. Careful planning now can make a big difference later.
Questions?
If you have questions about graduation requirements, course planning, or your progress toward graduation, please contact your school counselor.
