Don't Take These High School Courses! And Which Courses To Take To Get Accepted Into College

Are you choosing classes for next year and wondering what classes look best on a college application? You’re not alone — one of the most common questions students and parents ask is: “What courses do colleges actually care about?” In this video, college admissions expert Allison Slater Tate shares how to think strategically about high school course selection, so you can set your student up for success in the college admissions process — without unnecessary stress or overload.

Whether you’re trying to figure out:
Should I take AP, IB, or honors classes?
Is it better to get an A in a regular class or a B in an honors/AP class?
How many years of math, science, or foreign language do I need for college?
Do electives matter in college admissions?
How do selective colleges evaluate rigor and course load?
Can I skip arts, PE, or a second foreign language and still be competitive?
How do I choose classes if I don’t know what I want to major in?
What’s more important — grades or course rigor?
Do colleges know what classes were offered at my school?
…you’ll find clear, practical guidance in this video.
✅ This video is especially helpful for:
✔ Parents of rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders
✔ Students building a 4-year high school plan
✔ Families navigating competitive vs balanced course loads
✔ Homeschool families looking to align coursework with college expectations
✔ Public and private school families trying to interpret college admissions criteria

📘 What You’ll Learn:
The five core academic subjects colleges prioritize
What “most rigorous” really means (and when it matters)
Why context matters — and how colleges evaluate what was available to you
How to balance your course schedule with mental health and extracurriculars
When and how to explain gaps or unique situations on the Common App
What rising seniors should consider when finalizing their senior year schedule

💡 Insider Tip: Course selection isn’t just about impressing colleges — it’s about showing intellectual curiosity, follow-through, and authentic academic interest. And remember: Colleges admit students, not transcripts. The goal is to tell a compelling academic story — and this video will help you do just that.

About Allison Slater Tate:
Allison is a nationally recognized college admissions counselor and expert advisor with decades of experience guiding families through the college admissions process. She partners with College Admissions: Grown and Flown to offer expert insights that are practical, grounded, and stress-reducing — not overwhelming.

Popular Search Terms This Video Helps Answer:
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