Post High School Planning
College Entrance Requirements
Typical Four-Year Colleges and Universities
In general, being academically prepared for college means adequate preparation in English, history/social studies, mathematics and science. Many college programs also require the study of a world language. Study in these fields may enable students to score higher on college entrance tests. Nearly all colleges expect students to have taken at least 24 semester credits in these college preparatory academic areas while in grades 9-12. The more selective the college, the more preparation they expect in core academic disciplines.
To learn about specific admission requirements, students should consult websites or contact the colleges and universities directly where they are interested in possibly attending.
Most Selective Four-Year Colleges and Universities
Most colleges require the following courses/credits in Grades 9-12 as a minimum:
- 4 credits in English (emphasis on writing, speaking and literature)
- 4 credits in math (2 years of algebra, 1 year of geometry, and 1 year of statistics or Precalculus)
- 3 credits in laboratory sciences
- 3.5 credits in social sciences
- 3-4 credits in a single world language, strongly recommended (Grades 9-12)
The expectations at competitive colleges are significantly higher. These colleges would expect prospective students to have challenged themselves by taking at least some Advanced Placement or enriched courses.
University of Minnesota
Students planning to attend the University of Minnesota, or any of its branches, their freshman year should complete the following, at a minimum, in Grades 9-12:
- 4 credits in English (emphasis on writing, speaking and literature)
- 4 credits in mathematics (1 year each of algebra, geometry, advanced algebra, and statistics or college algebra prep)
- 3 credits in laboratory sciences (1 year each of a biological and a physical science)
- 2 credits in a single world language (Grades 9-12). Note: If English is not your first language, you have already met this requirement.
- 3 credits in social studies (including United States history)
- 1 credit in visual and performing arts, including instruction in the history and interpretation of the art form (e.g., theater arts, music, band, chorus, orchestra, drawing, painting, photography, graphic design, etc.)
We strongly encourage students to take courses beyond these minimum requirements. Additional coursework beyond these minimums increases a student's chances for admission. Indeed, while not requiring more courses, almost all successful applicants present additional classes.
Minnesota State University System
Students planning to enter a Minnesota State University are required to complete the following courses in grades 9-12:
- 4 credits in English (emphasis on writing, speaking, and literature)
- 3 credits in science (1 year each of chemistry, physics, and biology)
- 3 credits in mathematics (1 year each of algebra, geometry, advanced algebra)
- 2 credits in a single world language (Grades 9-12)
- 3 credits in social studies (1 year each of US history and geography)
Community Colleges
Community colleges offer some vocationally oriented programs involving one or two years of study to prepare for full-time employment. They also offer the first two years of a traditional four-year college program. Most community colleges admit any student who has graduated from high school. However, some programs have special admissions requirements. Interested students should check catalogs and/or speak directly with an admissions representative.
Business and Technical Schools and Colleges
A wide variety of programs are offered in these schools, both public and private. Some involve prior training in high school. Interested students should check the catalogs of these schools in the Career Center or phone the school directly for suggested high school preparation.
Job Entry After High School
Students who plan to enter employment directly after high school graduation may want to consider courses to improve their skills in mathematics, communications, and technical fields. Students considering moving into employment directly out of high school should also consider that they may want to pursue post-secondary training at a later time.
Construction Apprenticeship Pathway
The Residential Construction career pathway class options are an excellent pathway into a career in Commercial Construction through a registered apprenticeship program. A registered apprenticeship is a proven approach for preparing workers for jobs while meeting the needs of business for a highly-skilled workforce. It is an employer-driven, "learn while you earn" model that combines on-the-job training, provided by the employer that hires the apprentice, with job-related instruction in curricula tied to the attainment of national skills standards.
The model also involves progressive increases in an apprentice’s skills and completive wages. Apprenticeship programs keep pace with advancing technologies. There is little to no cost for the apprentice and the employer also provides benefits such as medical insurance and a pension. Some of the trades even provide associate degrees upon completion of the program.
More about construction apprenticeships open_in_newMilitary Service
Many training opportunities are offered in the military services. Some of these involve special preparation in high school. Military information is readily available from the recruiters and in the Career Center. Recruiters from the various branches visit frequently.
Minnesota Career Fields, Clusters & Pathways
Foundation Knowledge & Skills
Business, Management, & Administration
Business, Management, and Administration
- Administrative Support
- Operations Management
- Business Information Management
- Human Resources Management
- General Management
Finance
- Banking Services
- Business Finance
- Securities and Investment
- Accounting
- Insurance
Marketing
- Merchandising
- Marketing Management
- Marketing Communications
- Marketing Research
- Professional Sales
Hospitality and Tourism
- Lodging
- Recreation, Amusements and Attractions
- Restaurants and Food/Beverage Services
- Travel and Tourism
Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
- Animal Systems
- Agribusiness Systems
- Environmental Service Systems
- Food Products and Processing Systems
- Natural Resources Systems
- Plant Systems
- Power, Structural, and Technical Systems
Arts, Communications, & Information Systems
Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications
- Audio/Video Technology and Film
- Journalism and Broadcasting
- Performing Arts
- Printing Technology
- Communications Technology
- Visual Arts
Information Technology
- Information Support and Services
- Network Systems
- Programming and Software Development
- Web and Digital Communications
Engineering, Manufacturing, & Technology
Architecture and Construction
- Construction
- Design/Pre-construction
- Maintenance/Operations
Manufacturing
- Production
- Manufacturing Production Process Development
- Maintenance, Installation, and Repair
- Quality Assurance
- Logistics and Inventory Control
- Health, Safety, and Environmental Assurance
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Science and Mathematics
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
- Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance
- Health, Safety, and Environmental Management
- Logistics Planning and Management Services
- Sales and Services
- Transportation Operations
- Transportation Systems/Infrastructure Planning, Management, and Regulation
- Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations
Health Science Technology
Health Science
- Biotechnology Research and Development
- Diagnostic Services
- Support Services
- Health Informatics
- Therapeutic Services
Human Services
Human Services
- Consumer Services
- Counseling and Mental Health Services
- Early Childhood Development and Services
- Family and Community Services
- Personal Care Services
Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security
- Correction Services
- Emergency and Fire Management Services
- Law Enforcement Services
- Legal Services
- Security and Protective Services
Education and Training
- Administration and Administrative Support
- Professional Support Services
- Teaching/Training
Government and Public Administration
- Revenue and Taxation
- Foreign Service
- Governance
- National Security
- Planning
- Public Management and Administration
- Regulation