College-Bound Student Course Guide for the 2026-2027 Academic Year

Choosing next year’s classes is more than a scheduling task—it’s an opportunity to tell colleges who you are and where you're headed. Each course reflects your growth, curiosity, and commitment to learning. Whether you're mapping out freshman year or approaching your final lap as a senior, your course selections should help build a story of readiness and ambition.

Course Selections for High School Students

Your Courses Tell a Story—Make It Count

Colleges don’t expect perfection. They’re looking for evidence that you’ve challenged yourself in ways that make sense for your goals. Admissions officers pay close attention to how you’ve used the opportunities available at your school. Did you stretch? Did you choose rigor in subjects you care about? Did your course load evolve as your interests deepened? These questions matter, especially at highly selective institutions.

What Highly Selective Colleges Want to See

For students aiming at the most competitive schools, rigor is essential. PEAK recommends:

• 4 years of English, with AP Literature and/or AP Language

• 4 years of math, ideally through Calculus

• 4 years of science, including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (with at least one AP science)

• 4 years of social studies, including AP U.S. History, AP Government, or AP World History

• 4 years of the same foreign language, or as many years as your school allows

Electives that reflect depth—like advanced courses in visual arts, music, computer science, philosophy, or economics—can set you apart when they align with your intended major.

Think in Terms of Balance and Progression

The strongest transcripts show a balance between challenge and success. That doesn’t mean taking every AP course offered. It means making thoughtful decisions based on your strengths and interests—and showing growth each year.

Your Core Academic Foundation: The Must-Haves

Aim for four years in each of these five core areas:

• English: Communication and analysis skills are critical across all majors. Prioritize honors and AP-level coursework when ready.

• Math: Your sequence should lead toward Calculus if possible. For business, engineering, or science majors, this is especially important.

• Science: Take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics by graduation. Add a fourth year of lab science for STEM goals or selective schools.

• Social Studies: Include U.S. History and Government. AP courses demonstrate critical thinking and research skills.

• Foreign Language: Stick with one language for three to four years to demonstrate proficiency and commitment.

Your Electives: Build a Narrative

Electives should be more than filler. Use them to explore your interests, complement your major, or highlight your creativity and initiative.

• STEM Students: Computer Science, Engineering, Robotics, or AP Statistics

• Pre-Med/Health: Anatomy, Psychology, Sociology, Health Sciences

• Business: Economics, Marketing, Personal Finance

• Humanities/Pre-Law: Debate, Philosophy, Public Speaking, Journalism

• Arts: Studio Art, AP Art History, Theater, Music Theory

Advanced Coursework: AP, Honors, IB

Selective colleges want to see that you’ve embraced academic rigor. But they’re just as interested in how well you managed it.

If your school offers AP or IB, aim to take those courses in your strongest subjects. For example, if you're a standout writer, prioritize AP English and AP History. If you’re math-leaning, take Calculus and AP sciences. Avoid stacking too many advanced courses in one year if it risks your GPA or your well-being.

What About Dual Enrollment?

College courses taken through dual enrollment can demonstrate initiative and college readiness. Just make sure these courses are rigorous, aligned with your goals, and well-regarded by the colleges you're applying to.

NCAA Eligibility: Special Considerations for Athletes

If you're a student-athlete hoping to compete in college, course selection carries even more weight. NCAA Division I and II schools require specific core courses:

• 4 years of English

• 3 years of math (Algebra I or higher)

• 2 years of science (including one lab)

• 2 years of social science

• 1 additional year of English, math, or science

• 4 additional years from approved academic areas

You’ll need at least a 2.3 core GPA for Division I (2.2 for Division II), and the 10/7 rule applies: complete 10 core courses (7 in English, math, or science) before senior year. After that, those grades are locked in.

Grade-Level Planning for 2026–2027

Rising Freshmen:

• English I

• Algebra I or Geometry

• Biology

• World History or U.S. History

• Foreign Language I

• PE or Health

• Elective (Visual Art, Music, Computer Science, etc.)

Rising Sophomores:

• English II

• Geometry or Algebra II

• Chemistry

• U.S. History

• Foreign Language II

• Elective(s)

Rising Juniors:

• Honors or AP English

• Algebra II, Precalculus, or AP Calculus AB

• Physics or AP Science

• Government or AP Government

• Foreign Language III

• Elective(s) tailored to intended major

Rising Seniors:

• AP English Literature or English elective

• AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, or advanced math

• AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or fourth lab science

• AP Economics, AP History, or specialized social science

• Capstone electives that align with your major

Final Thoughts

Your transcript is more than a list of classes—it's a blueprint of how you’ve prepared for the future. It tells colleges about your work ethic, your resilience, and your passion.

PEAK Educational Consulting helps students craft College-Bound Student Course Guides and schedules that match their aspirations. Whether you’re aiming for a top-tier school, an NCAA program, or simply want to make confident decisions about your academic future, we’re here to support you every step of the way.