Pennsylvania Academic Preparation

Prepare for Pennsylvania college admission with strategic course planning, test preparation, and academic skill development.

Pennsylvania College Preparation Requirements

English
4 units

Literature, composition, speech, and language skills

Preparation Tips:

Advanced composition
Literature analysis
Critical reading
Writing portfolios
Mathematics
3-4 units

Algebra I & II, Geometry, and additional advanced math

Preparation Tips:

Pre-calculus or higher
Statistics recommended
Strong algebra foundation
Problem-solving skills
Science
3-4 units

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and lab experiences

Preparation Tips:

Lab science courses
AP Science courses
Research projects
Scientific method skills
Social Studies
3-4 units

History, government, geography, and social sciences

Preparation Tips:

AP History courses
Critical thinking
Research skills
Current events awareness
World Languages
2-4 units

Consecutive years in the same language preferred

Preparation Tips:

3-4 years recommended
Cultural understanding
Communication skills
Study abroad opportunities
Arts
1-2 units

Visual arts, music, theater, or other creative pursuits

Preparation Tips:

Portfolio development
Performance experience
Creative projects
Arts appreciation

Standardized Testing for Pennsylvania Colleges

SAT

College Board's standardized test

Score Range: 400-1600

Test Sections:

• Reading
• Writing & Language
• Math
• Optional Essay

Success Tips:

Practice tests
Khan Academy prep
Test multiple times
Subject tests for top schools
ACT

Alternative standardized college admission test

Score Range: 1-36

Test Sections:

• English
• Math
• Reading
• Science
• Optional Writing

Success Tips:

Science reasoning focus
Faster paced questions
Consider your strengths
Some students prefer ACT format
AP Exams

Advanced Placement courses and exams

Score Range: 1-5

Test Sections:

• Multiple subject areas
• College-level coursework
• 1-5 scoring scale

Success Tips:

College credit potential
Demonstrates academic rigor
Pennsylvania schools value AP
Strategic course selection

Academic Success Strategies

Course Planning

Strategic selection of challenging courses throughout high school

Action Steps:

Take honors/AP courses
Maintain strong GPA
Show upward grade trend
Challenge yourself appropriately
Test Preparation

Systematic approach to standardized testing success

Action Steps:

Start prep early
Take practice tests
Consider test prep courses
Retake if needed
Academic Support

Building relationships and seeking help when needed

Action Steps:

Develop teacher relationships
Seek tutoring if needed
Join study groups
Use school resources
Skill Development

Focus on essential skills for college success

Action Steps:

Improve writing skills
Develop research abilities
Practice time management
Build critical thinking

Ready to Excel Academically?

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

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