Transcripts: Decoding the Core Subjects and Electives

May 8, 2026 | By Daniel Strom

“It’s not just about the grades you get but also the courses you take.”

You probably already know this.

But you may not know about the core subjects and electives that shape students’ academic profiles.

From my experience as an admissions reader at the University of California, I've reviewed hundreds of transcripts and pay particular attention to the core subjects (English, math, science, history, and a foreign language) when evaluating an applicant. If you are applying to especially selective colleges with less than a 20% acceptance rate, I recommend taking these classes throughout all four years of high school (yes, including foreign language).

Students are often surprised to hear me suggest a fourth year of foreign language, but they also tend to neglect the dozens of doors that open after being proficient in a foreign language. Speaking another language allows students to communicate with a different culture in their extracurriculars and future career. Mandarin would have come way easier to me had I started studying before moving there.

But I digress…

While the core subjects hold significant weight, electives also play a valuable role in shaping your academic profile. Elective classes allow you to explore your passions and delve deeper into specific areas of interest. They provide an opportunity to pursue subjects outside the traditional core curriculum, such as fine arts, computer science, or psychology. When selecting electives, remember to consider which ones fit best with your future goals and Application Brand.

About Daniel Strom

Daniel Strom co-founded Elite Scholar Advising, which provides tailored advice to college applicants worldwide. He is a proud graduate of Northwestern University and the Kellogg School of Management, where he also developed admissions experience through his role as an admissions representative. In addition, he also served on the Northwestern Alumni Admissions Interviewing Council. Daniel has helped hundreds of college applicants across the world realize their full potential by gaining admission to their dream schools.