Your curriculum--the courses you take--is the
major factor in most application decisions. In general, the quality of your academic work in high school predicts how well you will do in college. When colleges look at your transcript, they are looking at the curriculum you have taken within the context of your high school, the
grades you have made, and the trends in your grades. The rigor of your academic program reflects your willingness to be challenged within the classroom.
Minimum requirements are just that - minimums.
Most successful applicants exceed minimum requirements in many (if not all) areas of study. Colleges, especially selective colleges, are interested in seeing honors and AP courses on your transcript. Many institutions have to wait list or deny qualified students because their course choices are not as competitive as other applicants'.
Take the strongest program that your academic background suggests you can handle successfully.
