John, you are very smart to ask that question before college. The answer depends on the subject you plan to major in. You may not have a lot of options in high school to choose the courses you take, but there are probably some.<br>
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Here are a few ideas. You will probably get the best results by doing a little "research" on the topic. If you know the subject you want to study, contact one of the colleges that offers that subject and see what courses you will take, especially in the first year. Then take the most advanced courses you can in that subject. For example, if you want to be an engineer, study all the math, chemistry, physics and other sciences you can in high school, since you will begin with those in the first year of college. And don't overlook English. And here's a valuable secret: you can learn a lot of the same material by reading the textbook that you would learn in the class. You can go to a good library, bookstore or college bookstore and get books on the subjects that interest you, and learn a lot about your major subject before you enter college. An advantage is that it will help you confirm whether the subject interests you enough to invest a large part of your life in it. Just don't let advanced books scare you away! Start with the ones that you can understand, then you can go on to the next level. You'll master a lot of things that look intimidating now, by the time you get that college degree.<br>
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One final word of wisdom I wish someone had told me: grades are ALWAYS important. Get the best grades you can, if you want to succeed in this information-based society. It will help you get in the college of your choice, and it will help you get the job you want when you graduate. Good luck.