Freshmen Planning
Understand your high school’s academic requirements for graduation. Entrance to many colleges is competitive; you may need more than this minimum. Be prepared for this. Plan a four-year program with care!
- Make certain you are enrolled in courses meeting Westmont’s entry requirements:
- English 4 years
- Science 3 years (two years of laboratory science)
- Mathematics 3 years (including at least second-year algebra)* (Algebra I taken in the 8th grade is acceptable)
- Foreign language 2 years of one language (3 years recommended)
(American Sign Language not accepted unless verified by required documentation) - Social Science 2 years (history, government, sociology, political science, economics, psychology, civilization, geography)
- Strong academic electives
- Make certain you have a Social Security number. All applications and financial aid forms will require this number and your name as it appears on this card will be the name you must use on all forms.
- Take Honors or GATE classes when possible. Be challenged whenever possible.
- Keep up with your studies. Your grades from your freshman year and through the first term of your senior year are extremely important. Become vocabulary conscious. Read…Read…READ!
- Build on the basic skills of reading, writing, thinking, listening, speaking, studying, and managing your time.
- Take part in extra-curricular or service activities that relate to your interests.
- Get a summer job!