High school course planning in British Columbia can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you're thinking not just about graduation, but about university applications too. From Grade 9 to Grade 12, the courses you select and the skills you build play a major role in shaping your academic future. Whether your goal is to apply to UBC, SFU, UVic, or another university, it’s important to understand the BC Graduation Program, how course credits work, and how to choose the right academic pathway.

Understanding the BC Graduation Program

The British Columbia Graduation Program officially begins in Grade 10 and culminates at the end of Grade 12. To earn a Dogwood Diploma, students must complete a minimum of 80 credits. These credits include required courses, elective courses, and assessments.

Key requirements include:

• Language Arts 10, 11, and 12 (12 credits)
• Mathematics 10 and 11 (8 credits)
• Science 10 and 11 or 12 (8 credits)
• Social Studies 10 and 11 or 12 (8 credits)
• Physical and Health Education 10 (4 credits)
• Career-Life Education and Career-Life Connections (8 credits)
• At least 4 credits of Arts Education or Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies courses in Grade 10–12
• A minimum of 16 credits must be at the Grade 12 level, including a required Language Arts 12 course

You can find the full breakdown on the BC Ministry of Education Graduation Requirements.

Why Early Course Planning Matters

University admission requirements start shaping your choices as early as Grade 9. Institutions like UBC and SFU require students to complete specific Grade 11 and 12 courses for admission consideration, but you often need to build a foundation earlier.

If you're aiming for competitive programs like UBC Sauder (Commerce) or UBC Engineering, for example, strong performance in advanced math and science courses will be essential.

Early course planning helps you:

• Meet all BC Graduation Program requirements
• Stay eligible for a wide range of university programs
• Develop the right skill sets for future success
• Explore electives that may lead to scholarship opportunities

Core Subjects to Prioritize

When planning your courses, focus first on your "core" areas: English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

English Language Arts is a must from Grade 10 to Grade 12. University applications almost always require strong English 12 or English Studies 12 results.

Mathematics branches into two streams after Grade 10:

• Foundations of Mathematics (for social sciences, humanities, arts)
• Pre-Calculus (for sciences, business, engineering)

Students aiming for competitive STEM or Commerce programs typically pursue Pre-Calculus 11 and 12.

Science choices include Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Earth Science, and specialized courses like Anatomy and Physiology 12. Your choice depends on your intended university program.

Social Studies is required until Grade 11 but diversifies at the Grade 12 level with options like Law Studies, History, Geography, and Social Justice.

Electives: Explore and Specialize

Elective courses allow you to explore passions and develop new skills. Universities appreciate applicants who demonstrate both academic strength and intellectual curiosity.

Popular electives include:

• Visual Arts, Drama, or Music
• Information Technology or Digital Media
• Business Education courses
• Languages other than English (such as French, Mandarin, Spanish)

Some university faculties, such as UBC Arts, value second-language courses for broader admission profiles.

Graduation Assessments to Watch

Along with courses, BC students must complete three provincial assessments:

• Grade 10 Numeracy Assessment
• Grade 10 Literacy Assessment
• Grade 12 Literacy Assessment

Universities like UBC and SFU currently consider these assessments, especially the Literacy 12 result, when evaluating students for admission.

Stay informed by visiting the BC Provincial Assessments

University Admissions: The Grade 11–12 Connection

Universities typically evaluate both Grade 11 and 12 course marks. Strong Grade 11 performance can open doors to early conditional offers.

Some important university policies:

• UBC calculates an admission average using required Grade 12 courses (like English Studies 12, Pre-Calculus 12, Chemistry 12, etc.).
• SFU considers the Literacy 12 Assessment along with grades.
• University of Victoria emphasizes "academic excellence with course rigor" across high school years.

Always check the specific admissions pages, such as UBC Admissions or SFU Admissions, when making decisions.

Tips for Building a Strong High School Course Plan

• Start planning in Grade 9: Don't wait until Grade 11 to think about university. Start discussing course options and goals early.
• Stay flexible: Interests can evolve, so choose a balance of courses that keep your options open.
• Challenge yourself appropriately: Universities value rigorous coursework, but balance is key—avoid overwhelming yourself.
• Get advice: Talk to school counselors, teachers, or trusted tutoring services. Myls Tutoring to create a strategic plan.

How Myls Tutoring Helps Students Navigate High School Planning

At Myls Tutoring, we know that the transition from Grade 9 to university planning is a critical time. Our personalized and online tutoring services help students make informed academic choices, build strong foundations in core subjects, and prepare for both BC Graduation assessments and university admissions.

✅ Academic Planning Support: Our tutors help students map out Grade 9 – Grade 12 courses aligned with graduation and university goals.

✅ Core Subject Tutoring: Expert online tutors support students in Math, Science, English, and Social Studies—ensuring they meet and exceed academic expectations.

✅ Exam and Literacy Preparation: Myls Tutoring tutor services offer targeted support for provincial assessments, AP exams, IB exams and entrance scholarships.

✅ Flexible, Data-Driven Online Tutoring: Sessions are customized based on student needs, and progress is tracked using advanced diagnostic tools.

✅ Study Skills Coaching: Students learn essential skills like time management, note-taking, and effective exam strategies—skills that serve them through high school and beyond.

📚 Ready to start planning your high school journey the smart way?
🎯 Book your trial lesson today and see how Myls Tutoring can help you succeed in high school and get ready for university!