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College Recommended Courses

Four-year colleges recommend that students complete a rigorous academic course of study in high school. College-bound students are advised to select the most advanced academic courses that he/she can handle. Research indicates that the more English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language classes a student takes, the higher the ACT or SAT scores will be. Students who want to have several options for their choice of college are recommended to take four years of English, math, science, and social studies and 2 to 4 years of foreign language.

Each college sets its own requirements for admission. This is only a guide. It does not guarantee admission to all 4-year colleges. All state and private colleges have differing guidelines. In a few cases, a student may be admitted without one required course for admission, and the student will be required to attend a summer program or take remedial courses to make up for the deficiencies. Other colleges may suggest that students attend a community college before transferring to their institution. (The University of Missouri systems [Mizzou, UMSL, MO S&T, and UMKC] require four years of math at the level of Algebra I or above.)

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  • Recommended Course List

    I. University of Missouri System Universities
    UMSL, UMKC, Mizzou, MO S&T

    4 English
    4 Mathematics (Algebra I and higher)
    3 Social Studies (SFBRHS requires 4 for graduation)
    3 Science; one must be a lab
    2 Foreign Language (2 years of the same foreign language)
    1 Fine Art

    II. Other Missouri Public Universities
    Examples: University of Central Missouri, Southeast Missouri State, Missouri State, Northwest Missouri State, Truman State

    4 English
    3 Mathematics (Algebra I and higher)
    3 Social Studies (SFBRHS requires 4 for graduation)
    3 Science
    1 Fine Arts

    III. Highly Competitive Colleges
    Examples: Ivy League Schools, Washington University, University of Notre Dame
    *Maximize Advanced, Honors and AP® courses offered at Borgia.
    4 English
    4 Mathematics (Algebra I and higher)
    4 Social Studies
    4 Science
    4 Foreign Language

    IV. Competitive Colleges
    Examples: Saint Louis University, Loyola University of Chicago, University of Illinois, Creighton University
    4 English
    3 or 4 Mathematics (Algebra I and higher)
    3 Social Studies (SFBRHS requires 4 for graduation)
    3 Science
    2-3 Foreign Language

    V. Less Competitive Colleges
    Examples: Columbia College, Maryville University, Webster University, Fontbonne University, Westminster College, Rockhurst University
    4 English
    3 Mathematics (Algebra I and higher)
    3 Social Studies (SFBRHS requires 4 for graduation)
    3 Science
    3 additional core (2 Foreign Language recommended)

    VI. Community Colleges
    Examples: East Central College, St. Louis Community College

    High School Diploma

College Super Match

Finding a college or university, you are compatible with and a campus you feel comfortable with is very important. Try to match your abilities and needs with the college’s or university’s requirements and expectations. Consider all of the following when seeking a college “match.” Also, try College Match on Naviance at Naviance.com.

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  • Things to Consider When Selecting a College

    1. Academic demands: Select a school that challenges you academically to reach your full potential.
    2. Type of institution: Institutions may be co-ed or women only, a college (2 or 4 year) or a university, and public or private or have a religious affiliation.
    3. Majors offered: If you have chosen an intended major, ensure the institutions you are considering offer it.
    4. Instructors: Some large institutions have graduate students teaching courses; be sure to ask if the professors teach the classes.
    5. Geographic location: Do you prefer an urban, rural, or small town campus? Keep in mind the cost of travel and distance from family members.
    6. Social standards: Is the school conservative or liberal? Consider the rules, how much cultural diversity the school offers, and what organizations are available.
    7. Size of enrollment: Do you want to blend in or know everyone? How large are the classes? What is the student/teacher ratio? What is their retention rate?
    8. Campus facilities: What do you prefer for dorm rooms, dining areas, classrooms, libraries, computer facilities, labs, studios, and campus security?
    9. Extracurricular activities: Consider interscholastic versus intramural sports, Greek life, and student organizations.
    10. Assistance: Consider the advisory, counseling, medical and dental facilities, and career counseling and placement.
    11. Special programs: Research the institution’s honor colleges, study abroad opportunities, co-op, and early admission to medical/law programs.
    12. Cost: Meet with the financial aid office to discuss the costs of tuition, room and board, supplies, transportation, books, and personal expenses.

Post Secondary Planning

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St. Francis Borgia High School

1000 Borgia Drive, Washington, MO 63090   |   P: 636-239-7871   F: 636-239-1198