Ivy League High School Course Requirements

Many selective colleges, such as Ivy League schools, require that you take certain courses while in high school in order to prepare for college-level coursework.

While choosing which courses you’ll take in high school, it is important to understand what courses your target colleges want you to take. These often include biology, physics, chemistry, and higher-level math courses.

We’ve compiled a list of high school course recommendations for the following Ivy League colleges:

Brown University
Columbia College
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Harvard University
University of Pennsylvania
Princeton University
Yale University

Most of the Ivy League colleges do not have a specific list of course requirements. This is because the colleges understand that not every high school offers the same curriculum.

However, one trend we have noticed is that Ivy League colleges tend to urge students to take the most rigorous courses available at their high school. Balance between subjects should also be a priority, with yearly coursework in English, math, lab science, history, foreign language, and social science.

Keep in mind that these recommendations may change over time. To be sure that you’re meeting the requirements of your target colleges, check the university’s website or contact someone in the college’s admissions office.

Brown University

Brown University has no specific course requirements for admission. Instead, the college recommends that high school students take all foundational courses that will prepare them for university courses. Brown also encourages coursework in music, art, and other electives in addition to the core requirements listed below.

For Math, coursework through calculus is recommended when available. Brown also recommends students take biology, physics, and chemistry as part of their science requirements, when available. For history and social studies, students should take courses such as history, government, economics, politics, etc.

Brown University High School Course Recommendations

English – 4 years
Math – 4 years
Science – 3-4 years
Lab Science – 2 years
History and Social Studies – 3-4 years (American history is required)
Foreign Language – 3-4 years of one language (when possible)

Learn more about Brown’s admission requirements.

Columbia University

Columbia University does not have a requirement for a concrete number of high school courses. However, the college recommends that students take courses that will prepare them for college courses in the humanities, mathematics, social science, foreign languages, and natural science.

For students planning on entering a STEM field, Columbia recommends that students become as well-versed in the areas of science and math as their high school schedule allows. Keep in mind that specific academic programs within the school may have additional high school coursework requirements.

Columbia University reports that the majority of successful applicants have taken five academic courses per term for all four years of high school.

High School Course Recommendations for Columbia University

English – 4 years
Math – 4 years when available (through pre-calculus recommended)
Lab Science – 3-4 years
History & Social Studies – 3-4 years
Foreign Language – 3-4 years of one language (ancient or modern)

High School Course Recommendations for Columbia University Engineering Program

English – 4 years
Math – 4 years (through calculus recommended)
Lab Science – 4 years (preferred in last two years of high school)
Physics – 1 year
Chemistry – 1 year
History & Social Studies – 3-4 years
Foreign Language – 2-3 years

Learn more about Columbia’s admission requirements.

Cornell University

Cornell University High School Course Requirements

All of Cornell University’s undergraduate colleges require a minimum of 16 units total of high school coursework. Below we’ve broken down the course requirements by college.

College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

English – 4 units
Math – 4 units (including pre-calculus)
Science – 3 units (biology, chemistry, and physics recommended)
Special requirements recommended for select majors

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

English – 4 units
Math – 3 units
Science – 3 units
Foreign Language – 3 units
Special requirements recommended for select majors

College of Arts and Sciences

English – 4 units
Math – 3 units
Science – 3 units
Foreign Language – 3 units
Special requirements recommended for select majors

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

English – 4 units
Math – 4 units (calculus strongly recommended)
Science – 3 units (biology, chemistry, and physics recommended)
Special requirements recommended for select majors

College of Engineering

Chemistry – 1 unit
Physics – 1 unit
Math – 4 units (2 of algebra, 1 of geometry, and 1 of calculus)
Special requirements recommended for select majors

College of Human Ecology

English – 4 units
Math – 4 units (calculus strongly recommended)
Science – 4 units (biology, chemistry or physics, and additional core science recommended)
Special requirements recommended for select majors

School of Public Policy

English – 4 units
Math – 4 units (calculus strongly recommended)
Science – 4 units (biology, chemistry or physics, and additional core science recommended)
Special requirements recommended for select majors

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

English – 4 units
Math – 4 units

View additional admissions requirements here.

Dartmouth College

Dartmouth doesn’t have specific course requirements. However, the college expects applicants to complete the most challenging coursework available at their high school.

For students entering a STEM field, additional requirements may apply.

Dartmouth College High School Course Recommendations

English – 4 years (preference for writing-intensive courses)
Math – 4 years (calculus recommended for STEM majors)
Science – 3 years of lab science (four years including physics for engineering majors)
History & Social Science – 3 years
Foreign Language – 3-4 years of one language (ancient or modern)

Learn more about Dartmouth College admission requirements.

Harvard University

Harvard doesn’t require a specific list of courses, but the college does recommend that students take the most ambitious path available at their high school. Certain majors may require additional coursework.

Harvard University High School Course Recommendations

English – 4 years (including writing-intensive courses)
Math – 4 years
Science – 4 years (biology, chemistry, physics, and an advanced course in one of these subjects)
History & Social Science – 3 years (including American and European history)
Foreign Language – 4 years of one language

Learn more about Harvard admission requirements.

University of Pennsylvania

With some colleges, like the University of Pennsylvania, you may find that the college does not list course recommendations in a straightforward way on the school’s website.

University of Pennsylvania High School Course Recommendations:

The University of Pennsylvania doesn’t list out the specific number of years required for each high school subject area. However, the university does recommend that students take courses in English, social studies, math, science, and foreign language throughout high school.

Some colleges within the University of Pennsylvania look for additional qualifications when reviewing applications.

College of Arts & Sciences

Applicants should show interest in humanities, social science, and natural science; demonstrate the ability to apply classroom knowledge to the real world; and take courses that will prepare them for college.

Penn Engineering

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to use scientific concepts to discover, create, and apply knowledge to the real world; express interest in engineering; and complete high school coursework in physics and math (especially in calculus).

School of Nursing

Applicants should show desire to serve patients, express interest in health care issues, and complete science college prep coursework (especially chemistry).

The Wharton School

Applicants should show leadership skills, express interest to have a positive impact on the world, and complete high school coursework in math (especially calculus).

Learn more about Penn’s admission requirements.

Princeton University

Princeton doesn’t require a specific list of courses in order to be admitted. However, the university recommends that students complete the coursework listed below if they have access to these courses at their high school. The college gives preference to honors, dual-enrollment, and AP® courses.

Princeton University High School Course Recommendations:

English – 4 years (including writing-intensive courses)
Math – 4 years (including calculus for engineering majors)
Lab Science – 2 years (including physics and chemistry for engineering majors)
History – 2 years
Foreign Language – 4 years of one language
Visual or Performing Arts – At least one course is highly recommended

Learn more about Princeton’s admission requirements.

Yale University

Yale University does not have specific course requirements in terms of high school coursework. However, they do recommend that students take a balanced list of courses each year in English, science, math, social science, and foreign language.

Yale likes to see that applicants challenged themselves throughout high school, performed well, completed a balanced list of courses, and took advantage of advanced courses when possible.

Learn more about Yale’s admission requirements.

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“Obviously SAT® test prep was NOT fun. The experience was difficult and exhausting, but learning through KD definitely made the experience much less stressful and definitely easier. It's a great system with tons of resources all aimed to give you what you need and more to reach whatever score range you set as your goal (I was able to get a 1540). My favorite part though, specifically with the Coppell campus, was the people! Everyone was so incredibly nice and always in impossibly good moods. It was a great environment to learn and improve in!”

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Alex N. – Class of 2023

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Saadia P. – Class of 2022

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Armaan C. – Class of 2023

“I am very grateful that KD was able to offer so many resources and guides for the SAT® and PSAT tests. They really helped me get a good grasp on the types of questions that the SAT exam tested on, and I was able to get a really good score the first time I took it! Once again, thank you KD, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to earn a high SAT score.”

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Sri Vamsi Krishna Putti – Class of 2023, Frisco ISD

“My husband and I are so impressed with your course and the quality of guidance that you provide. It feels like you really want our son to succeed. Thank you!”

Debra H. – Son, Class of 2023

“KD taught me so many useful strategies for the SAT® & PSAT/NMSQT® tests. They helped me improve my SAT score by over 400 points, and I got done with the SAT test at the beginning of 11th grade! I would recommend KD to anyone who wants a highly competitive SAT score.”

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Praneel S. – Class of 2023

“My time and experiences at KD College Prep have efficiently guided and prepared me for my future educational career as a college student. Not only did KD help me with college entrance exams but also provided numerous informational seminars that helped me with the various steps required for college admissions. At KD I enjoyed learning from amazing teachers, who cared for each of their students individually and were ready to help wherever it was needed. Being a student at KD has also helped me figure out which learning techniques work best for me. The opportunity to engage in different learning methods such as small group interactive learning, larger group discussions, or individual practice are all ways that helped me come up with a learning... Read more...

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Tanisha P. – Class of 2020

“My feedback can only be positive, given how much you helped me get ahead with my application process. I really appreciated how much work both of you put into helping me write the best essay possible, especially reviewing my essays twice to polish them completely. In addition, I have noticed that writing my resume has released a lot of stress off my shoulder when it comes to making sure I have all the things necessary to apply to schools.”

“My feedback can only be positive, given how much you helped me get ahead with my application process. I really appreciated how much work both of you put into... Read more...

Claudia A. – Class of 2020

“My favorite things about KD were the mirroring it had to actual test questions, the availability, and the relationships you built with all the teachers and advisors who made the process of learning easier. I think that after you started going to a good amount of classes and the workshops, you knew every teacher, and they were always available to answer any questions that you had...Everyone was just so welcoming and made learning more engaging for the students, especially with the workshops. All of had their own unique style of teaching which never made a class boring.”

“My favorite things about KD were the mirroring it had to actual test questions, the availability, and the relationships you built with all the teachers and advisors who made the process of... Read more...

Rishab P. – Class of 2021

“I want to thank both of you so very much for making this dream come true. When I first came to KD, I wanted to get a score of 1520 or above... So many people told me it would be impossible to reach my desired score. After months of using KD's methods my scores definitely improved but hovered around 1350—still not near the score I needed but closer. After finally working with both of you during one on ones, my scores started to see heavy improvement and while I didn't get a score of 1520 or above as a single score, I got it as a superscore... Read more...

“I want to thank both of you so very much for making this dream come true. When I first came to KD, I wanted to get a score of 1520 or... Read more...

David P. – Class of 2022

“It takes a village to raise a child—this is so true. KD College Prep staff have been nothing but uplifting to my child and to us parents through their eager attitudes to assist, in-depth guidance and unparalleled wisdom. I am in awe at the consistent level of professionalism yet genuine concern for each and every person that walks through their doors. Thank you KD staff for being great mentors for our children!”

“It takes a village to raise a child—this is so true. KD College Prep staff have been nothing but uplifting to my child and to us parents through their eager attitudes to assist, in-depth guidance and unparalleled wisdom. I am in... Read more...

Gloria D. – Daughter, Class of 2021

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT^® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I have finished college applications, and I would love to thank all the teachers and aides at KD for giving me the score that I got on the test. Without the extra practice, I wouldn't have been able to get through to the score I got. These past 3 years went by so fast, and it is so fun to look back at where I started and how much I have come out with flying colors. Thank you so much!”

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT^® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I... Read more...

Kareena A. – Class of 2021

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests. The resources were very helpful, and the individualized assistance I received from teachers were what really supported my learning. Special thanks to Ms. Barwick and Mr. Hoffman!”

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests. The resources were... Read more...

Advika R. – Class of 2022

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in class. In conjunction, those two things helped me raise my score a lot because I was not a math kid before KD or high school. The repetition and being able to practice in a non-stressful environment and simulating that testing experience is something that was very beneficial for me... “The college counseling team was super patient and honest about the work I was submitting. I know for a lot of kids, it’s hard to articulate who you are through 250-300 words. It was definitely... Read more...

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in... Read more...

Blaine W. – Class of 2021

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a rising junior at the University of Miami, and my youngest son is an incoming freshman at Vanderbilt University. Steve’s help in navigating the complicated college landscape and finding the BEST FIT for my two sons is what has made this resource invaluable. “What made the biggest difference for my two sons was the depth and breadth of knowledge Steve has of the many universities and colleges in the U.S. First, by getting to know my kids on a one-on-one basis, he was able to... Read more...

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a... Read more...

Julio M. – Parent

“My daughter loved the program—the program materials and the teachers both online and in person. She participated in a year of online and a year of in person. It was incredible enrichment and helped her keep her skills sharp over the summer. She liked being challenged academically, and she loved taking classes with high school students who were focused on their college goals. These students were also excellent role models! The lessons were especially important during the pandemic when it wasn’t a typical middle school experience.”

“My daughter loved the program—the program materials and the teachers both online and in person. She participated in a year of online and a year of in person. It was incredible enrichment and helped her keep her skills sharp over the... Read more...

Beth L. – Advanced Start™ Parent

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT^® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got a 1530 on the December 5th SAT test. KD played a huge role in this, and I just wanted to say thanks to everyone there for helping me achieve this.”

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT^® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got... Read more...

Vyom S. – Class of 2022

"Our twin 16-year-old boys used KD College Prep to study/practice for the PSAT test, and we believe the classes and coaching were invaluable. Very professional and concise. Worth every penny!"

Jerry – Sons, Class of 2022

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests (1520, 1580, and 34). I really appreciate everyone's willingness to be flexible and accommodate my requests!”

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT,... Read more...

Mithra A. – Class of 2022

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT^® test (third time) and a 35 on my ACT® test (first time). I remember the first ever practice test I took for the SAT test was a 1230 (about 1.5 yrs ago) and the first ever practice test I took for the ACT test was a 31 or 32 (about 6 months ago)."

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT^® test... Read more...

Elise P. – Class of 2022

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT^® and ACT^® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents very informative and helpful during the process as well. My son (Jacob) graduated in 2018 and got a 32 on the ACT test. got accepted into Texas A&M but chose Baylor for Health Sciences. My daughter (Morgan) graduated in 2020 and got a 1450 on the SAT test and a 32 on the ACT test. got into an Ivy League school (Cornell) for Engineering. Both my kids say that they apply the test taking skills they learned at KD Prep to... Read more...

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT^® and ACT^® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents... Read more...

Jon D. – Parent

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard and other schools, but I've really started to immerse into the Emory culture, especially their debate team. Not having to pay for college and still attend a private institution is really a dream come true, and it wouldn't be possible if it were not for you.”

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard... Read more...

Shreyas R. – Class of 2020

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a good school will help me find my path. Also, Steve's knowledge about what colleges were wanting to see in potential admissions candidates was a huge help... “There was not one specific beneficial moment or turning point in my time working with Steve, there were many. He encouraged me during the entire application process and brought to my attention many colleges I wouldn't have considered or heard about without his help.”

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a... Read more...

Jake W. – Class of 2020

"I'm very happy my daughter chose KD as her learning partner to achieve her goals. All the experiences with KD and the Directors there are fabulous. My daughter has improved significantly."

Zarni, Daughter – Class of 2021

"I took KD classes the summer before my junior year, and I was finished with my SAT^® test by December...The test prep classes also helped me earn the award of National Merit^® Finalist."

Claire I. – Class of 2020

"It's been super helpful, and I've noticed my scores go up both on my SAT^®/ACT^® scores as well as test scores in school... Overall, I believe this to be the best college prep that money can buy."

Gopi C. – Class of 2021

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made sure that I would be successful in whichever college I picked, and I am eternally grateful for all their help and hard work!"

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made... Read more...

Omar S. – Class of 2020

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by far the most concerned about. I didn’t know how exactly I should go about choosing which places to apply to and if I were to be accepted, if they would fit me. The team did a wonderful job considering my likes and dislikes and helped me compile a list of colleges that suited my tastes and would further my academic career. "After this integral first step, my focus turned towards time management and writing quality essays that would stand out to colleges. I got... Read more...

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by... Read more...

Nina H. – Class of 2020

"I was thankful for all the help I received from KD in preparing for my SAT^® and ACT^® exams. The workshops they offered, as well as the practice exams, gave me the tools I needed to do my very best."

Morgan D. – Class of 2020

"KDCP is a must for students wanting to stay a step ahead of the game for getting into college. My son has gained huge insight from the ACT^®/SAT^® practice workshops, practice tests, and essay class."

Tiffany – Son, Class of 2021

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students wanting an edge on their national test scores!"

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students... Read more...

Daniel J. – Class of 2020

"Not only have I been able to significantly improve my test scores, I have learned a tremendous amount of information about the college application process due to complimentary events that KD offers."

Sam H. – Class of 2020

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the help from amazing teachers and staff. I am so grateful for KD!"

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the... Read more...

Matt K. – Class of 2020

"I started classes at KD the summer before 9th grade. I...made a perfect score on the PSAT (earning the National Merit^® scholarship) and, after taking the SAT^® test only once (a relief!), scored a 1590/1600."

Thomas D. – Class of 2019

"In just one year, I was able to raise my score by 300 points and get into my dream school."

Piper F. – Class of 2020

"Having our recent GHS graduate attend KD was life changing. It provided our son with choices and opportunities that he might not have had otherwise."

Kathy – Son attends Mizzou

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure out a personal plan that would work for her and were always available for our questions and helping her reach her goals. Every employee from the managers to the students working at their locations are top notch.”

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure... Read more...

Tracy – Daughter, Class of 2020

"The KD College Prep course not only provided test practice but also motivated her to work hard for her college applications. It gave her the confidence to dream big!"

Prema – Daughter attends Rice

High School Course Requirements for Ivy League Colleges