What Math Should You Take in High School?

Choosing a high school math path can feel simple at first. You take the next class in your school’s math progression, you pass, you move on. But by the time students reach junior or senior year, math course selection suddenly carries much more weight.

Families often come to us asking:

• Do I really need to take Calculus?

• Is AP Statistics “enough” for college?

• What if my student struggled earlier in math?

The answer, as with most things in college planning, is: it depends. But there are some clear patterns in how colleges evaluate math progression, and understanding them early can help students make informed, strategic choices.

This post breaks down the math progression most commonly seen in North Carolina public schools. We’ll explain how colleges view those math courses and offer guidance on choosing the right senior-year math.

Not a high school student in North Carolina?

Keep reading! Since many of the classes we’ll discuss are accessible to students in other states, the information will still be useful.

NC Math Graduation Requirements

In North Carolina, students must earn four math credits to graduate:

• NC Math 1

• NC Math 2

• NC Math 3

• A fourth math aligned with post-high-school plans

That fourth math is where things can get complicated. Instead of one clear next step, students have choices. 

Options commonly include:

• NC Math 4

• Precalculus or AP Precalculus

• AP Statistics

• AP Calculus (AB or BC)

(Looking for IB or Dual Enrollment? Keep reading! We’ll cover these too!)

While NC Math 4 is specific to the state, every other course on this list is nationally recognized, meaning colleges across the country understand and evaluate them similarly.

It’s also worth noting that the UNC system (all public universities in North Carolina) minimum requirements include a fourth math, which can be Math 4 or higher.

Graduation requirements are the bare minimum. College expectations, especially at more selective schools, are often higher.

Why Math Progression Matters in College Admissions

Colleges do not look at math in isolation. They evaluate:

• How far a student progressed

• How consistently they advanced

• How well they performed at each level

A strong math transcript shows persistence, academic readiness, and comfort with increasing rigor. These are all positive indicators that a student will succeed in college.

For students planning to major in STEM subjects, economics, business, or some health sciences, plan to take your math progression at least through Precalculus, since most of these majors require Calculus in your first year of college. Taking Calculus in high school can also strengthen your application, especially if the colleges on your list admit by major.

Pro Tip: Look up the Course Requirements for your intended major on a college’s website to see what math courses students in that major are required to take. If you see Calculus listed, plan to take at least Precalculus in high school.

For students applying to highly selective colleges, Calculus is often an expected course (if it is available at your high school), regardless of intended major. Even humanities majors!

That said, rigor only helps if a student can perform well enough to keep moving forward.

Middle School Math Placement Matters

Many families don’t realize how early math progression decisions begin.

In NC, students who take NC Math 1 in 8th grade (or earlier) have the potential to reach AP Calculus AB or BC by senior year. 

Students who start Math 1 in 9th grade may not be able to advance as far as they’d like without doubling up on math or taking summer courses.

Neither path is inherently “wrong,” but the math courses chosen in middle school can:

• Limit access to Calculus later

• Shape competitiveness at selective colleges

• Influence which majors remain realistic options

This is why we encourage families to think long-term, even in middle school.

Common Senior-Year Math Options

NC Math 4

What it is:
A continuation of algebraic, trigonometric, functional, and statistical concepts introduced in Math 1–3.

Best fit for students who:

• Completed Math 1–3 but struggled with confidence or consistency

• Do not plan to major in a math-heavy field

• Want a supportive foundation before college math

• Are applying primarily to less selective colleges

College perspective:
Math 4 meets graduation requirements and UNC minimums, but it is seen as less rigorous than Precalculus or AP math options.

Precalculus / AP Precalculus

What it is:
A foundational course for Calculus, focusing on functions, trigonometry, and analytical thinking.

Best fit for students who:

• Did well in Math 3

• Plan to pursue majors that require Calculus

• Want to pursue a challenging math track

• Are applying to selective colleges where rigor matters

College perspective:
Precalculus is often considered the minimum endpoint for an advanced math progression, especially for those considering STEM, economics, or business.

AP Statistics

What it is:
A data-driven, applied math course focused on interpretation, probability, and analysis rather than algebraic manipulation.

Best fit for students who:

• Are strong in logic and pattern recognition

• Prefer applied math over abstract algebra

• Are interested in social sciences, some health sciences, or research

• Are applying to majors that will not require Calculus in college

• Have completed Calculus already and need a senior-year math

College perspective:
AP Statistics does not replace Precalculus or Calculus for majors that require Calculus in college. It is complementary, not sequential.

AP Calculus (AB or BC)

What it is:
A college-level Calculus course. AB covers the concepts of a first-semester college Calculus course; BC extends into second-semester material.

Best fit for students who:

• Are strong in math and completed Precalculus successfully

• Plan to major in STEM, math, engineering, economics, or business

• Are applying to highly selective colleges, regardless of major

• Want to demonstrate the highest level of rigor available

College perspective:
Taking Calculus in high school is a significant advantage when available. At very selective institutions, it is often expected, not optional.

What About IB & Dual Enrollment?

Not every high school offers AP Calculus or follows a traditional AP-based math pathway. Some students attend schools with International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, while others have access to dual enrollment through a local community college or university. 

These options can be strong choices, but only if they align with your long-term goals and are well understood by the colleges you’re applying to.

IB Math Courses

In the IB program, math courses are typically offered at Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL).

In general:

• IB Math Analysis & Approaches HL is the most rigorous IB math option and is most comparable to an advanced Precalculus or Calculus-based sequence, though it is not exclusively Calculus.

• IB Math Analysis & Approaches SL is a rigorous course, but with less depth than AA HL.

• IB Math Applications & Interpretation (SL or HL) tends to focus more on Statistics and applied math.

For students planning to pursue STEM, business, economics, or other Calculus-based majors, colleges typically expect the most rigorous math option available within the IB framework. At IB schools, that usually means Analysis & Approaches HL.

Dual Enrollment Math Courses

Dual enrollment math courses can be a great option, especially when AP or IB math isn’t available. Students may take college-level Prealculus, Statistics, or Calculus through a local community college or university.

When evaluating dual enrollment math, colleges consider:

• Course level and content

• The institution offering the course

• How it fits into the student’s overall progression

A few important things to keep in mind:

• Dual enrollment can demonstrate rigor, but it doesn’t automatically carry more weight than AP or IB.

• Not all colleges will accept dual enrollment credit, even if they value the course for admissions.

• AP and IB are standardized curricula, meaning students taking these classes have the same learning outcomes regardless of where they’re located. Some colleges will not weigh dual enrollment as heavily because it is not standardized.

Dual enrollment Calculus can be a strong choice for students who are ready for it academically but don’t have access to advanced coursework at their high school. On the other hand, dual enrollment does not replace the academic rigor of AP or IB if your high school provides these options.

Rigor vs Performance

When it comes to math progression, we often see two common mistakes:

• Not taking a more advanced math because it “seems hard,” therefore limiting options down the road

• Taking a math class that is too challenging for the student, hoping the rigor will offset a lower grade

Students should pursue the most challenging math available to them that:

• They can succeed in (earn an A or B) without too much stress or burnout

• Aligns with their college goals

Remember, more advanced is not always better if it:

• Leads to significantly lower grades

• Undermines confidence

• Prevents continued progression

Most colleges would prefer a student who earns a strong grade in Precalculus over one who struggles through Calculus.

Final Thoughts

Math progression is one of the clearest academic signals on a high school transcript. It reflects long-term planning, readiness for college coursework, and the ability to handle increasing rigor.

Key takeaways:

• Students planning to take Calculus in college should aim to reach at least Precalculus in high school

• Calculus offers a real advantage when available, especially at selective colleges

• Early math placement matters, but it is not destiny

• The best math course is one that balances rigor with performance and allows continued growth

If you’re unsure which math track makes sense for your student, this is exactly the kind of decision that benefits from individualized planning. Math choices don’t exist in a vacuum, and the right answer depends on goals, strengths, and the colleges on a student’s list.

As always, we’re here to help you zoom out and make choices that keep options open.

Do I Need to Take Summer Classes?

As summertime approaches, many high school students wonder how to make the most of their break. When it comes to summer planning, we are often asked if it’s “worth it” to take classes at a local community college or university.

Whether or not it is “worth it” depends on your personal academic goals and circumstances. So, is this the right choice for you? 

In this post, we’ll explore why you might want to take summer classes and provide advice tailored to each situation.

Why Do You Want to Take Summer Classes?

The first step in deciding whether to take summer classes is clearly defining your goals. Are you looking to get ahead in certain subjects? Earn college credit while in high school? Explore new subjects? Boost your GPA?

Your unique reasons can help you decide whether summer classes are a good idea for you, as well as what type of courses to consider.

I Want to Boost My GPA for College Applications

Let’s start with one of the most common scenarios we are asked about. 

A lot of students are interested in pursuing summer coursework because they hope to increase their GPA and gain an “edge” in the college admissions process. However, it's a common misconception that taking summer classes to inflate your GPA will look good on college applications.

Don’t misunderstand—a strong GPA is definitely a good thing! But colleges know how to spot a padded GPA. That’s why colleges emphasize your individual grades in your classes more than your overall GPA. They pay particular attention to final grades earned in core academic classes (some colleges will even recalculate your GPA only based on core classes). So, earning an A in Introduction to Jazz Studies over the summer at a community college to raise your GPA isn’t as impressive to colleges as an AP science course—even if your school weights them the same for GPA calculation.

I Want to Improve My Class Rank

Another scenario that sometimes comes up is boosting your GPA to improve class rank. This is a more nuanced and personal situation. Will moving from the 11th to the 8th spot in your high school class or from the top 26% to the top 23% make a big difference in the admissions process? That’s hard to say, and if so, it’s probably not as big a difference as you might think. 

But maybe it’s a personal goal to finish in the top 10. Or it might be common for students in the “class rank race” (which can indeed feel like a race to the finish) to take extra classes, and you feel you will be disadvantaged if you do not. 

If taking extra courses aligns with your goals and doesn’t add too much pressure to an already full plate, you might decide it’s “worth it” to you. Just be sure you’re making an informed decision and clearly understand the implications.

I Want to Get Ahead in Certain Subjects

Sometimes, students are interested in pursuing summer coursework because it can impact their four-year academic plan. 

We see this happen most commonly with math tracks and foreign language tracks because the courses a student takes in early high school can often determine what courses they are eligible for later in high school. 

For example, let’s say the farthest you can advance in math during high school is precalculus, but you are interested in engineering and need to take calculus to be competitive at colleges on your list. Taking a summer math course can help you advance your curriculum so that AP Calculus is an option for your senior year.

Or maybe you want to take an AP exam for a foreign language course, but you won’t have enough years of that language to meet the prerequisites for the AP class. A summer course can help move your curriculum forward.

If you are hoping to take a summer course to advance your curriculum options, there are a few tips you need to consider:

• Not all high schools will let you substitute a summer class taken somewhere else for the same course in their curriculum. To avoid taking precalculus twice, make sure you understand your high school’s policy. 

• Some community college classes are offered online, and summer courses are typically a few weeks rather than a few months. Consider the course's format and intensity to ensure it meets your learning style and summer schedule.

I Want to Take Classes in a Subject My School Doesn't Offer

Summer classes are an excellent opportunity to explore subjects not available at your high school. Similarly, there may be classes at your school that you want to take but can’t fit into your schedule. For example, maybe your school only offers AP Psychology every other year, or maybe your options are limited because fourth period class is always taken up by band. Summer courses can provide a chance to explore these interests.

However, this is not an excuse to take a summer course because you are avoiding the same course at your high school. Colleges would rather see you take AP Biology at your high school than Biology 101 at a local community college—even if you’ve heard the AP Bio teacher is a hard grader…

If you are pursuing summer courses to explore new subjects, here are some tips for you:

• If you want the coursework to appear on your transcript, make sure that your high school’s policy allows for outside coursework

• To add more context to your situation, use the Additional Information section of your college application to explain any course availability or scheduling issues that have led you to pursue summer coursework. 

I Want to Earn College Credit During High School

Earning college credits while still in high school is an ambitious and practical goal. These credits can make it possible to graduate early and reduce college costs. If this is your reason for pursuing summer coursework, choose your courses wisely.

Colleges have different policies for accepting transfer credit. If a college does accept your transfer credits, it may transfer as a general education requirement, a major requirement, or an elective course, depending on the course you take.

Research both the college where you plan to take summer coursework and the colleges where you want to apply to ensure that transfer credit is offered and accepted. You may find that your university system provides a list of transfer equivalencies for your local community colleges, but get in touch with admissions officers at each of your colleges to be sure. You can also speak with your school counselor or college advisor to understand how these credits will fit into your college plan.

I Did Poorly in an Academic Class

If you’ve struggled with a particular subject during the school year, summer courses can offer a chance to catch up or even retake courses to improve your understanding and your grades.

If you are hoping to retake a course, make sure you communicate with your high school. Not all schools allow this. You may find that tutoring is a more effective way to catch up on course material before the next school year.

Taking summer classes can be a valuable opportunity depending on your academic needs and personal goals, but they are rarely something you “must” do in order to be successful. 

Whatever your reason for pursuing summer courses, be sure that your choices align with your long-term educational goals. Remember, learning doesn’t always have to happen in a classroom. The best use of your summer is pursuing what brings you personal growth and satisfaction, setting you up for future success on the path you choose.

How Many AP Classes Should I Take?

When high school students are signing up for the next year’s classes, one question comes up over and over again: How many AP classes should I take?

Students pursue AP courses for a number of reasons. Maybe you aren’t feeling challenged by standard course material. Maybe you hope to earn college credit by scoring well on AP exams. Maybe you are applying to selective colleges and want to highlight a rigorous curriculum on your transcript. Maybe it’s all three!

These are all good reasons to pursue advanced coursework, but it doesn’t answer the question of how many AP classes students should take. Do colleges expect a certain number? Is the number of AP courses more important the the grades you earn in them? Should you take all AP classes? 

As is the case with many questions about college planning, the answer is “it depends!” There is no “magic number” of AP classes because every student’s current circumstances and future goals are unique to them. 

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what you should consider when determining the best number of AP courses for you.

Note: Even though we’re talking about AP classes in this blog post, you can apply the same logic to Honors, IB, or Dual Enrollment classes depending on what your high school offers.

1. How Many AP Courses Does Your School Offer?

The first step when deciding how many AP classes you should take is to look at what your school offers. Not all high schools have the same AP courses available, so it's important to understand your options.

Some schools offer AP options in a wide range of subjects while others may have more limited options. And some high schools may not offer less popular AP classes every year which requires some planning ahead if you want to take that course. What is available to you?

Remember that your college application is reviewed in the context of your high school. That means admissions officers will know what is available at your school and can see the path you pursued. If you have a friend attending another high school with different curriculum options, don’t worry if their schedule looks different from yours. 

Figure out what your options are and then map out a plan that aligns with your academic and college planning goals.

2. Can You Keep Your Grades Up?

Once you have a clear understanding of the AP courses available at your school, the next step is to determine your academic goals. 

Do you want to challenge yourself or dive deeper into your favorite subjects? Or are you hoping to demonstrate college readiness across the board to a selective college?  

Answering these questions can help you decide if you want to take 1 or 2 AP courses in specific areas or if you want to add more to your schedule.

But remember, AP classes are tough! They are college-level courses that require more time, effort, and homework than standard-level classes. Ask yourself: 

• Can I realistically earn an A or B in all of these classes? 

• Can I maintain (or exceed) this level of rigor for the rest of high school?

• Can I keep up in these classes while maintaining a healthy balance outside of school? (ie: Having enough time for extracurriculars, free time, and enough sleep)

Challenging yourself is a good thing! But don’t take on so much that your grades suffer or you feel like you’re burning out while still in high school. 

3. What Do the Colleges on Your List Consider Competitive?

The number of AP courses you should aim to take also depends on the colleges you are considering. More selective colleges often expect competitive applicants to take a challenging course load, which includes AP classes if they are available at your high school. 

However, the definition of "competitive" varies from college to college. One college might view three to five AP courses as rigorous, while another might expect significantly more. 

Some colleges are transparent with this information, like the University of Georgia which posts regular admissions statistics on their blog (the class of 2023 averaged 8-13 AP courses!). Others may include information about advanced courses in a profile of admitted freshmen or elsewhere on the admissions website. Research the expectations of your target colleges early so you can plan your high school schedule accordingly.

4. What Do You Want to Major In?

Your intended major might also influence the number of AP courses you decide to take. If you're leaning towards a particular field of study, taking AP courses related to that discipline can strengthen your college application and prepare you for future coursework. For instance, if you're interested in engineering, taking AP Calculus and AP Physics can be beneficial. Or if you’re interested in political science, AP courses in areas like history, government, or economics may be of more interest.

Tailoring your AP courses to your college major and career goals not only demonstrates your interest in your chosen field but also gives you a solid foundation for the classes you’ll be taking in college.

In the end, the question of how many AP classes to take is multifaceted and unique to every student. There is no “magic number” that will guarantee your success. Instead, your high school academic plan hinges on what is available at your school, your personal academic strengths and interests, the expectations of prospective colleges, and even your future major. 

Finding a balance between challenging yourself and maintaining a manageable workload is key. Remember, the goal is not just to impress college admissions officers but also to prepare yourself for the rigor of college academics. By thoughtfully considering these factors, you can make informed decisions that align with your goals!