Classes for College Preparation

Ready for college coursework? There's a big difference between high school classes versus college classes, and you're bound to be a little bit shocked with those higher expectations. While an adjustment period is going to be inevitable, you can help ease the shock by taking high school classes that prepare you well for college. Here are a few classes you can take that will help you get ready.

Advanced Placement English -- or Other Challenging English Classes

Many students are not coming to college with the writing skills professors expect -- and their freshman year grades reflect this. To make sure you're ready for college level writing, there's no better class than Advanced Placement English which is designed to mimic the difficulty level of college class. You'll work hard in AP English, but you'll leave with strong writing skills. And no, you don't have to be a prospective English major to take AP English. All college students need to know how to write -- even those who major in things like science and engineering -- so this class will be helpful to just about anyone.

Not ready for the challenge of Advanced Placement English? No problem -- just take a few alternate classes that have strong writing components.

Public Speaking

Many, if not most students, have a fear of public speaking, which is one reason why you should take this class in high school -- get some of the fear out of your system now! Even if you don't need to take public speaking in college, you'll be making presentations, so public speaking skills are extremely valuable. Plus if you take public speaking in college, the class will be much easier if you've taken it already in high school.

Basic History, Government, Politics, and Current Events

Countless classes in college will assume that students know the basics of their own history, government, and politics, as well as the information about the world. If you're not literate in these areas, you'll hear references in class all the time that make no sense to you. Make sure you take enough classes that you'll have at least some of the prior knowledge that professors expect. On a related note, basic geographic knowledge is important as well.

Computer Literacy and Typing

Many students are very computer savvy and don't necessarily need these courses -- although a refresher course can't hurt. However, if you don't know your way around a computer keyboard and programs like Word and Excel, learn how now.

Study Skills

Does your high school offer a specific class to help students develop study skills? If so, take it -- even if your study skills are more than sufficient for high school. Many students who did well in high school come to school lacking in important skills such as taking class notes, managing their time, and preparing major exams -- so get all the help you can get before you graduate.

Making that leap from high school to college is tough, and you're almost guaranteed to be a little shocked when you get there. But by taking good college prep classes like these, you can make the transition a little easier by coming to college with the knowledge and skills professors expect.

Know Geography Before You Go to College

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