A–G Requirements: Explained for International Families
As African families navigate the journey to U.S. college admissions, one crucial aspect they must understand is the A–G requirements. These requirements are a set of high school courses that California universities, including the University of California (UC) system, use to evaluate whether a student is prepared for admission.
Though primarily focused on UC schools, these requirements are often used as a standard by other top universities across the United States as well.
For international students, especially those from Africa, understanding the A–G requirements can feel overwhelming, but it’s a critical step in making sure your child meets the necessary academic standards to apply to top U.S. universities.
What Are the A–G Requirements?
The A–G requirements refer to a set of seven academic subject categories that students must complete in high school to be eligible for admission to UC schools and other top U.S. universities. These courses are meant to ensure that students have a well-rounded education in core academic subjects. Here’s a breakdown of each category:
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A: History/Social Science
Students must complete 2 years of history/social science courses. This usually includes courses in world history, U.S. history, and government. -
B: English
A total of 4 years of English is required, including literature and composition. These courses focus on reading, writing, and critical thinking. -
C: Mathematics
Students must complete 3 years of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra. Many UC schools and top universities recommend 4 years of math for a competitive application. -
D: Laboratory Science
2 years of lab science are required. This includes biology, chemistry, or physics. UC schools recommend 3 years for a stronger application. -
E: Language Other Than English
A total of 2 years of a language other than English is required. Many students take French, Spanish, or other widely spoken languages. 3 years is recommended for competitive schools. -
F: Visual and Performing Arts
One year of visual and performing arts is required. This can include courses in music, theater, dance, or visual arts like painting and photography. -
G: College-Preparatory Elective
Students must complete 1 year of college-preparatory electives. These can be additional courses in any of the A–F areas or subjects like economics, computer science, or additional foreign language study.
How Does This Apply to African or International Students?
As an African student applying to U.S. colleges, meeting the A–G requirements can be a bit tricky, especially since the high school curriculum in many African countries differs from the U.S. education system.
Here’s how to navigate these requirements:
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Recognizing Equivalent Courses
African high schools may not always use the same course names or structure as U.S. schools. For example, a student might have studied "African History" instead of U.S. History. In these cases, you may need to provide course descriptions or syllabi to demonstrate how the course aligns with the required subjects. -
Translating Your Curriculum
For students who have completed high school in African countries, it’s important to have their academic transcripts officially evaluated. Credential evaluation services, such as WES (World Education Services), can help determine how your academic courses match the A–G requirements. They will compare your coursework to U.S. standards to ensure that it fulfills the necessary criteria. -
Filling Gaps with Supplementary Courses
If your child has not taken a course that matches one of the A–G requirements, there are ways to fill those gaps. Many African students opt to take online courses, community college classes, or summer school programs to meet specific A–G subjects, such as a foreign language or advanced math. -
English Language Proficiency
For students whose primary language is not English, they will need to prove their English proficiency. This is typically done by taking the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). High scores in these exams will help strengthen the application. -
Course Planning
Start planning early to ensure that your child meets the A–G requirements over the course of their high school education. Since African high schools may not follow the U.S. model exactly, it’s essential to work closely with GCLS counselors who can help design an academic path that aligns with these requirements.
Why Are the A–G Requirements Important for College Admissions?
U.S. colleges and universities, especially those in the UC system, use the A–G requirements as a standard to assess whether international students are academically prepared to succeed in college. Meeting these requirements demonstrates that your child has received a rigorous, well-rounded education and is ready to take on the academic challenges of a top university.
Additionally, these courses form the foundation of the academic rigor that U.S. schools value when reviewing applications. Competitive students often take more than the minimum number of years in subjects like math and science, so having a solid A–G record is essential to ensuring your child’s application stands out.
What’s Next for African Families?
If you are considering sending your child to a U.S. university, understanding and meeting the A–G requirements is one of the first steps. At GCLS, we specialize in helping African families navigate the U.S. college admissions process, including course planning, test prep, and understanding requirements like the A–G criteria.
Need Help?
Our team of counselors is here to assist you with everything from transcript evaluation to course planning to make sure your child is on track for their dream U.S. university. We’ll guide you through the process, ensuring that your child’s academic profile meets all the necessary requirements for top U.S. schools.
Start planning today with a personalized consultation. with one of our GCLS advisors and let us help you navigate the U.S. college admissions process!