Arizona Academic Preparation

Prepare for Arizona college admission with strategic course planning, test preparation, and academic skill development in the Grand Canyon State.

Arizona High School Graduation Requirements

English
4 units

Literature, composition, speech, and language arts

Preparation Tips:

Strong writing skills
Literature analysis
Critical reading
Communication skills
Mathematics
4 units

Algebra I & II, Geometry, and additional advanced mathematics

Preparation Tips:

Pre-calculus recommended
Statistics helpful
Strong algebra foundation
STEM preparation
Laboratory Science
3 units

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and laboratory experiences

Preparation Tips:

Lab science courses
STEM focus
Research projects
Scientific method
Social Studies
2.5 units

History, government, geography, and social sciences

Preparation Tips:

Arizona history
Critical thinking
Research skills
Current events awareness
Fine Arts
1 unit

Visual arts, music, dance, drama, or other creative arts

Preparation Tips:

Creative expression
Portfolio development
Performance experience
Arts appreciation
Career & Technical Education
1 unit

Career and technical education or world languages

Preparation Tips:

Technical skills
Career exploration
Language learning
Professional development

Testing Requirements for Arizona Colleges

SAT

College Board's standardized test

Score Range: 400-1600

Test Sections:

• Reading
• Writing & Language
• Math
• Optional Essay

Arizona-Specific Tips:

Practice tests available
Khan Academy prep
Test multiple times
ASU test-optional
ACT

Alternative standardized college admission test

Score Range: 1-36

Test Sections:

• English
• Math
• Reading
• Science
• Optional Writing

Arizona-Specific Tips:

Popular in Arizona
Science reasoning section
Faster paced
Many Arizona students prefer ACT
AzMERIT

Arizona's state assessment system

Score Range: State performance levels

Test Sections:

• English Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science

Arizona-Specific Tips:

Required for graduation
College readiness indicator
Benchmark assessments
Preparation available

Academic Success Strategies

STEM Excellence

Strong preparation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

Action Steps:

Take advanced STEM courses
Participate in STEM competitions
Seek research opportunities
Consider dual enrollment
Innovation Focus

Develop innovative thinking and problem-solving skills

Action Steps:

Join innovation clubs
Participate in hackathons
Work on creative projects
Embrace technology
Test Preparation

Strategic approach to standardized testing success

Action Steps:

Start prep early
Take practice tests
Consider prep courses
Utilize free resources
College Readiness

Build essential skills for college and career success

Action Steps:

Develop study habits
Improve time management
Practice critical thinking
Build research skills

Ready to Excel Academically in Arizona?

Use CollegeCompass to track your academic progress and optimize your preparation for Arizona colleges.