College Prep vs. Regular Classes: What's the Difference?

When planning a high school curriculum, students and parents are often faced with a choice between college prep and regular classes. Understanding the differences between these options is crucial for making informed decisions that align with a student's academic goals and future aspirations. This article explores the nuances of college prep classes, how they differ from regular classes, and why they matter for college admissions.

What Are College Prep Classes?

College prep classes are high school courses specifically designed to prepare students for the academic rigor of college. They focus on key subjects such as math (Algebra, Geometry, Calculus), science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), English (Literature, Writing, Grammar), and social studies (History, Government, Economics). These courses often follow a more advanced curriculum and emphasize critical thinking, research, and independent learning-skills that are vital for college success.

Sometimes, the term "college prep" is simply a way to differentiate standard-level classes from remedial classes on one hand, and honors/AP classes on the other. In states and districts that require a high school exit exam, "college prep" often refers to the core subjects covered in that exam.

Key Features of College Prep High Schools

A college prep school is an academic institution specifically designed to prepare students for their future higher education endeavors. These schools concentrate on delivering an academically challenging curriculum while fostering critical thinking, time management, and study skills that will help students succeed in college and beyond.

Unlike public schools or charter schools, college prep programs often emphasize a holistic approach to learning that prepares students for college across multiple facets of their lives. These private schools provide insular, supportive environments where students can expand their horizons academically, socially, and emotionally while working towards their future goals.

College prep high schools also provide students with comprehensive college admissions support to maximize their chances of being admitted to and attending their targeted institutions of higher learning.

Benefits of College Prep Classes

Taking college prep classes offers several advantages:

Better Academic Readiness: College prep classes help students build a strong foundational knowledge base in core subjects, ensuring they are well-prepared for college-level coursework.
Stronger College Applications: Colleges often prefer students who have taken challenging coursework, as it demonstrates intellectual curiosity and a willingness to push themselves academically.
Higher Test Scores: College prep classes can help students prepare for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT by reinforcing key concepts and improving test-taking skills.
Improved Time Management: The heavier workload associated with college prep classes can help students develop effective time management skills, which are essential for success in college.
Boosts Confidence: By successfully completing challenging coursework, students can build confidence in their academic abilities and feel more prepared for the transition to college.
Development of Essential Skills: Persistence in advanced courses can teach you essential skills such as time management, critical thinking, and better work habits, which can translate to success in college and beyond.

How College Prep Differs from Regular Classes

The primary distinction between college prep and regular classes lies in the depth and rigor of the curriculum. College prep classes typically cover more material at a faster pace, requiring students to engage in more critical thinking and independent learning. Regular classes, on the other hand, may focus more on rote memorization and basic comprehension.

In most high schools, there is a course hierarchy, where higher-level classes are often labeled as "Honors." These are more challenging courses that offer prospective students some major advantages when it comes to applying to college. For one thing, these courses may offer college credit, which looks great on your applications and also prepares you for the rigors of a college curriculum. For another thing, these classes may boost GPA by offering more weighted credit than other courses, which can help with both college and scholarship applications.

The next "step up" in the hierarchy are the AP and IB courses. Typically, these are the most challenging courses a student can take, and they always end with a major exam. If students score high enough on an AP exam (typically, 4 out of 5 points), they can usually get college credit for the course they just completed.

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Private Schools vs. College Prep

While many private schools are college prep schools, not all private schools focus on getting your child ready for college in the same way. Some private schools boast small class sizes and modest student-teacher ratios but otherwise take a more standard approach to education.

In other cases, private schools are intended to prepare students not necessarily for college but for specific career areas like the arts or STEM fields. College prep high schools offer all of the standard draws of traditional private schools with an added emphasis on college readiness across all facets of a student’s life.

Charter Schools vs. College Prep

Many charter schools offer innovative teaching methods and flexibility in their approach to education, but they may not always provide the specialized resources found in a college preparatory school.

Because college prep schools are privately funded, they may be able to offer more consistent college credit opportunities, advanced placement classes, college counseling services, and extracurricular programs.

Boarding School vs. College Prep

Some college preparatory schools are also boarding schools, where students live on campus. St. Agnes was actually originally founded as a boarding school but has functioned as a private day school since the mid-1950s.

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While there are certain benefits to the boarding school format, St. Agnes is pleased to provide top-quality college preparatory educational experiences to students throughout the Houston area without requiring them to live on campus.

Extensive College Counseling

One of the standout features of college prep schools is robust college counseling support. At St. Agnes Academy, their College Counseling team offers hands-on college prep activities and guidance for students navigating the college application and financial aid processes. During their time at St. Agnes, students can take advantage of individualized support for college admissions tasks like:

Researching and pinpointing target colleges and universities.
Planning for standardized entrance exams like the ACT and SAT.
Crafting compelling college applications.
Exploring and applying for financial aid options.

This tailored support ensures students and their families have all the information, tools, and resources they need to navigate the college admissions process and subsequent transition out of high school.

Extracurricular Opportunities

In addition to providing advanced academic offerings, college prep high schools emphasize the well-rounded development of their students. At St. Agnes, students are encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, and volunteer/service programs.

Extracurricular opportunities help students develop more diverse skill sets while providing them with opportunities to socialize and collaborate with like-minded peers. As colleges increasingly seek to admit students with well-documented diverse interests and experiences, a robust extracurricular roster is a must-have for college-minded high schoolers.

Choosing the Right College Prep Classes

Selecting the right college prep classes involves careful consideration of a student's interests, strengths, and academic goals:

Align with Your Goals: Pick courses based on your intended major or field of interest. If you plan to study engineering, for example, focus on advanced math and science courses.
Challenge Yourself: Take advanced courses (like AP or IB classes) if possible, but don’t overburden yourself. It’s better to excel in a few challenging courses than to struggle in many.
Balance Your Schedule: Ensure a good mix of challenging and manageable subjects. This will help prevent burnout and allow you to maintain a healthy balance between academics and other activities.
Seek Guidance: Talk to school counselors and teachers for recommendations. They can provide valuable insights into which courses are best suited to your individual needs and abilities.
Consider your work ethic, prior coursework, and grade history: If you are looking to get through high school with as much ease as possible, I would advise against taking many advanced courses, especially simultaneously. Conversely, if you are someone who has consistently maintained a high average in difficult courses and wishes to be competitive for college, I recommend taking a good amount of Honors courses in your first few years of high school, and then gradually replacing those with APs as a junior and senior. However, be wise not to bite off more than you can chew to avoid frequent burnout.

How College Prep Classes Look on College Applications

Colleges generally view college prep classes favorably, as they demonstrate a student's commitment to academic excellence and their readiness for the challenges of higher education. Admissions officers often look for students who have taken a rigorous course load, including honors and AP classes, as this indicates a strong work ethic and a willingness to push themselves academically.

However, it's important to note that colleges also consider a student's overall GPA and performance in their classes. Taking on too many challenging courses at once can lead to burnout and lower grades, which can negatively impact a college application. Therefore, it's essential to strike a balance between challenging oneself and maintaining a strong academic record.

Typically, you should go with the harder level class if you think you can earn a B or higher because generally, most colleges would rather see a B in an Honors or AP course than a set of straight A's in college prep classes. The idea is to demonstrate that you are challenging yourself, and also that you are mastering the material. Getting a B grade says "I'm just very slightly reaching past my grasp." On the other hand, avoiding honors or AP classes where you will most likely get a C or D shows self-knowledge and mature judgment - another thing colleges tend to value.

Our advice is to try to take 1-2 of honors or AP courses, maybe in subjects you feel most comfortable in, or those where your strengths lie, or those you're most interested in pursuing further.

College Prep Programs

Sometimes the term "college prep" is a way of referring to a set of programs that work to increase college access, especially for students who are least likely to enroll. Upward Bound is for students from low-income backgrounds that have inadequate secondary school preparation. Students from traditionally underrepresented groups are exposed to a simulated college experience that is rich in academic and motivational support. Talent Search serves low-income, first-generation students. The Student Support Services Program (SSS) helps low-income, first-generation and disabled students attain a college degree. Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). ENLACE increases opportunities for Latinos to enter and complete college.

Navigating Course Registration

In general, there are a few main things you should consider when registering for classes. First and foremost, your work ethic, prior coursework, and grade history should be taken into account.

These qualities are followed by the recommendations and advice of your instructors, counselor, and parents. PowerSchool makes it easy to see which future classes your teachers think would be best for you, but I still believe that talking to them directly is best for more complex questions. Eventually, sometime between now and the end of the semester, you will also have a chance to look over your chosen course load with your assigned counselor to confirm placement. Students should make sure that their parents are involved in the registration process as well, so find time to go through selections with them prior to submission.

Another resource that I think is often overlooked is upperclassmen. If you have friends in a higher grade than you or an elder sibling that attended or currently attends Warren, be sure to ask for their thoughts about a specific class and for any advice that they can give you.

Programs to Increase Access to College

In addition to college prep courses and high schools, there are also various programs also referred to as “college prep” that students can take to better prepare them for college. As an added bonus, participation in such programs may provide the edge a student needs in order to gain admission to a competitive institution.

First of all, the federal government offers a number of programs designed particularly to assist students who would be considered nontraditional college applicants. For example:

Upward Bound (part of the Federal TRiO Programs) helps low-income students prepare for university by exposing them to a simulated college environment, complete with an extensive support system.
Talent Search, meanwhile, offers both low-income students and first-generation college students counseling services needed to achieve success in higher education.
The Student Support Services program offers a range of tutoring and academic advising services as well as career counseling and financial aid information to students who are low-income, first-generation, and/or disabled.
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (aka GEAR UP) provides similar tutoring, advising, and counseling services to low-income and minority students starting as early as 7th grade.

Such federal programs are available to prospective students regardless of where they live. However, be sure to research potential resources unique to your own state: for example, California’s EOP program is designed to help state residents who are low-income or otherwise educationally disadvantaged.

College Prep Courses vs. Honors vs. AP

Because "college prep" refers to the core set of high school classes, this term has basically become the way to identify the standard class level.

The level above College Prep is called Honors. Unlike College Prep courses, those labeled “Honors” may have explicit prerequisites or require teacher recommendation and/or standardized testing history in order to be taken. Students prepare for college at an accelerated pace that strongly encourages outside review, not including assignments. The curriculum is more “complex, challenging, and extensive” than that of College Prep classes, and you should not be surprised by daily homework and classwork that heavily utilize higher-order thinking. Having taken several Honors courses, I can attest to their difficulty to some degree but believe that all are manageable if you are a self-motivated student willing to put your best foot forward when it comes to learning. There is no requirement, however, to take solely Honors or College Prep courses, meaning a combination of both is often advised.

The infamous AP courses, enough to strike fear into even the most diligent student. If you’re out of the loop, or simply lucky enough to have evaded taking one, Advanced Placement (AP) classes are those designed and administered by the College Board, a non-profit organization created to “expand access to higher education.” These courses mimic those that you will take in college, with the end goal being to obtain college credit that can be used to bypass classes at universities. This is based on the score that you receive on the cumulative exam at the end of the school year, although I will not go into depth about how that functions in this article. While I admit that my earlier statement about these classes was slightly dramatized, AP classes are not for the faint of heart. Given that they are essentially college-level courses, their difficulty is not overstated. If you decide to take them, you must be confident in your work ethic and be willing to be the master of your own learning.

How to Enter College Prep Courses into the Common App

To receive full credit for the college prep courses you have taken, it’s important to enter them into the Common App. While we always recommend you consult with your school counselor about the best way to approach your application, just to be sure, the instructions below should help you enter all of your classes into the App before you start applying to colleges.

Use “Advanced Placement”: for AP Calculus AB/AP Biology, etc.
Use “Dual Enrollment” for things like Community College courses
Use “Honors” for things like Honors English 11, Honors English 10
Use “College Prep” for all other English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language (e.g.

Deciding Between College Prep and Regular Classes

Ultimately, the choice between college prep and regular classes should be based on your academic goals, ability to manage a challenging workload, and how much you value preparation for college-level work. If you believe you can handle the challenge and want to build a competitive college application, opting for college prep classes may be the better choice. Just be mindful of maintaining a balance between your academic and personal life.

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