Rigorous Curriculum Overview
What Is a Rigorous Curriculum?
A rigorous curriculum offers students a challenging alternative to standard high
school courses. Students tackling a rigorous curriculum learn advanced-level subjects.
Consider the following ways of challenging yourself:
- During high school, study at least four years of English; three years of math,
social studies, and science; and one year of a foreign language.
- Take Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. Be sure
to study hard for the exam so you earn a good grade!
- Participate in state-designated rigorous programs if they are offered at your
high school.
What Are the Rewards of Studying a Rigorous Curriculum?
- Helps you get into college. Colleges don't just consider your
grades when reviewing your application. They also look at how challenging your high
school classes were. Admissions officers want to see that you challenged yourself.
This is especially important at colleges that are very selective. Achieving good
grades in tougher courses makes you stand out among other students competing for
acceptance at your favorite colleges.
- Qualifies you for some merit-based grants. You must take a rigorous
curriculum to be eligible for some federal grants, such as the
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG).
- Gives you college credits during high school, which saves you money.
Some colleges will give you credit for Advanced Placement (AP) or International
Baccalaureate (IB) courses that you pass during high school. Colleges providing
credit usually base their decisions on your final exam score, so study hard. Taking
these courses during high school means that you don't have to pay to take them in
college.
By completing a rigorous curriculum program, you show a willingness to take on academic
challenges and improve your standing with college admissions officers. Check with
your high school counselor about which types of rigorous curriculum your school
offers and which courses are best for you. Go for it!