The Class Scheduling Mistake That Can Cost Students Admission

“What math are you taking?”

I asked this of a class of 2027 junior the other night at a Villanova alumni event. My current Wildcat was incredulous. He pulled me aside and asked why I said that. I explained that I can not take off my counseling hat - there are certain college admissions course requirements. I had just heard other alumni speak about double legacy children being denied admission and I wanted to make sure he was in the strongest possible academic position.

I’ve Seen It Before as a Mom

When my son looked into Villanova during his application season, he found out that their admissions website states, 

• “In order to be best prepared to succeed academically in the Villanova School of Business, four years of high school math is required which should include Calculus, if offered at your high school. While Pre-Calculus is the minimum requirement for consideration of admission to VSB, most successful applicants have taken at least 1 year of Calculus before the end of 12th grade.” 

• For engineering it is, “A Physics course is required for all engineering applicants. Pre-Calculus is also required, and Calculus is strongly encouraged, if offered at your school.” 

This is an important point: not all high schools offer calculus nor physics courses. Colleges will be able to review the available classes via the counselor report in your application. However, if your school offers these classes and you don’t have them at least in your senior year schedule, it could negatively impact admission to highly-selective programs. 

Students often discover this when it’s too late, as these classes could be full or fixed. Parents should take note of this prior to junior year, as senior year might be too late.

Required vs Encouraged vs Suggested

• If a class is required, it means that classes need to be taken before attending a college, like Pre-Calculus for business and engineering at Villanova. If your student will not be able to complete these classes, chances of admission are very low. 

• If a class is strongly encouraged, it functions as a near-requirement at selective schools. Students who take the course are significantly stronger candidates for admission.

• If a class is suggested, you can have a good chance with an otherwise strong application. 

My son had Honors Pre-Calculus on his senior year schedule. His school counselors were unconcerned that Calculus for business majors would be necessary. They called Villanova and found out that it was, to their amazement. I eventually was able to have him take pre-calculus over the summer so he could take calculus in senior year.

This wasn’t easy and it’s why I am attentive to students when I hear students discuss course planning. Even one class can adversely affect college outcomes.

Villanova Is Not Alone

This is a pattern I have seen many times in my work with students. They decide on a major and don’t realize there might be extra requirements for their favorite schools. 

• Cal Poly San Luis Obispo has on their website: “Four years of English are required and five years are recommended.” In this case, recommended is the same as strongly encouraged.  

• MIT prefers exposure to Calculus and Physics and provides resources to be prepared for freshman coursework. 

• Business, Engineering, Nursing, and Architecture all have requirements for majors depending on the school. It is important to note what these are and realize that it doesn’t always depend on rigor. 

What Parents Can Do

How will parents and students know the course requirements for other schools? 

• Check the college’s website for course or additional requirements or recommendations. 

• Are required, recommended, or suggested classes available at your school?

• Can you do dual enrollment and/or summer options to overcome obstacles? MIT admissions math requirements page has many resources available if you need to complete a math course.

• Check in with your school counselor before finalizing your schedule.

Remember, it’s not always rigor that helps your chance of admission.

If this adds another stressor to the college admissions process, it may be time to consider some guidance. Should you feel that way (understandably) please schedule a free 20-minute consultation. Early, informed decisions can prevent costly mistakes later in the admissions cycle.