What does it take to get into college?

Each college has different entrance requirements – and we’re here to help you make sense of them. The chart below shows the courses that most colleges expect high school students to have passed. Remember, college-level courses in high school are great preparation.

College Entrance Exams
Students applying to a four-year college should consider taking these college entrance tests:

9th or 10th Grade: PLAN, a pre-ACT test, also assesses career skills and interest areas; test taken at school in October
11th Grade: PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test); test taken at school in October
11th/12th Grade: ACT (American College Test) & SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test); check with counselors for test dates and locations. Plan to take one or both in spring of 11th grade; they can be taken again in fall of 12th grade.

What is your goal?	Selective (4 year) College/University: *Bachelor’s Degree*	Traditional (4 year) College/University: *Bachelor’s Degree*	Community College; Career and Technical College: *Certificate, Diploma, Associate's Degree*
Example of College Goal:	Macalester, Carleton, College of St. Catherine	University of MN, Saint Cloud State, University of WI-River Falls	Century, Saint Paul College, Dunwoody, Inver Hills
ACADEMIC SUBJECT - ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
English	4 years (advanced courses)	4 years	4 years
Social Studies	4 years (advanced courses)	3 or more years	3 years
Mathematics	4 years or more	3 years	3 years
Science	4 years or more (advanced levels)	3 or more years	2 or more years
Physical Education	2 semesters	2 semesters	2 semesters
Health	1 semester	1 semester	1 semester
Fine Arts	1 year	1 year	1 year
World Languages	3-4 years of a single language	2 or more years of a single language	No specified recommendation
Electives	Choose as many AP classes as possible	Choose electives that will prepare you for a career or broaden your interest	Choose electives that will prepare you for a career or broaden your interest
College-level Coursework for 11th and 12th Graders (not all of these classes are available at every high school):
Advanced Placement (AP) classes provide students with college-level coursework. Students can receive college credit when they attain a certain score on AP exams. College in the Schools (CIS) provides university-level courses to advanced juniors and seniors. Students successfully completing a CIS course receive University of Minnesota academic credit.		International Baccalaureate (IB) is a rigorous academic program for juniors and seniors. The IB Diploma Program is a two-year, full-time commitment available at specific high school sites. Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) allows juniors and seniors to take courses (full- or part-time) at a liberal arts, community or technical college or a university for high school credit.