Step 2: Push Yourself.

If you want to go to college, you’ll have to work hard in high school. Know what courses you need to take to get into college and sign up for those courses that will challenge you the most.

Why you should take TOUGH courses in high school

  • Most colleges require students to take specific courses in high school to qualify for admission into college. Ask your counselor, a parent or another adult to help you set up a four-year coursework plan that will ensure admission into college.
     
  • You’re more likely to earn higher scores on the ACT and/or SAT college entrance exams. The knowledge you gain by taking tough classes will be helpful on test day.
  • You’re more likely to earn academic scholarships. Many colleges base scholarship awards on criteria such as class rank, GPA, and ACT and SAT scores.
  • Colleges will be more impressed if you earn respectable grades in challenging courses than outstanding grades in easy classes. So don’t take easy classes just to improve your GPA. 
  • You may be able to earn some college credit while in high school. Ask your counselor about Dual Credit and Advanced Placement courses that may be offered at your high school. These can help you get a head start on college!
  • You’ll have a better chance of succeeding in college. By taking tough courses during high school, you’ll be prepared for challenging courses in college.
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Courses to take for admission into college 

If you take these courses during high school, you should qualify for admission to any college in Nebraska. Check out the websites of colleges that interest you to learn their class requirements for admission.

English – 4 years of intensive reading and writing.

Math – 4 years including Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry – and one additional course that builds on a knowledge of algebra.

Social Sciences – 3 years including American and/or world history; one additional course in history, American government and/or geography; and a third course from any social science discipline.

Natural Sciences – 3 years including Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Earth Sciences. One course must include laboratory instruction.

World Language – 2 years of the same language.