Students who plan to attend college are encouraged to begin exploring admission requirements early and choose courses that support their long-term goals. While earning a high school diploma is an important milestone, it does not automatically meet the entrance requirements for all colleges or universities.

Each institution sets its own expectations, which may include specific coursework, standardized tests or recommended experiences. Our college and career team is available to help students understand these requirements and create a four-year plan that aligns with their goals.

Below are general admission patterns that can help students understand what different types of institutions may expect. Requirements vary by school and program, so students should always confirm details directly with the colleges they are considering.

• Highly Selective Institutions (Examples: Harvard, Yale, Brown)
  • Recommended Coursework: English (4), Math (4), Science (4), Social Studies (4), World Language (3-4)

• Selective Institutions (Examples: Loyola, Truman, Purdue)
  • Recommended Coursework: English (4), Math (4), Science (3-4), Social Studies (3-4), World Language (2)

• Traditional Four-Year Institutions (Examples: Mizzou, UMSL, Lindenwood)
  • Recommended Coursework: English (4), Math (3), Science (3-4), Social Studies (3), World Language (2)

• Community Colleges and Technical Schools (Examples: STLCC, Ranken)
  • Recommended Coursework: English (4), Math (3), Science (3), Social Studies (3)

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but students and families have access to a wide range of financial aid options. Our college and career team helps students understand these resources, complete required applications and compare the true cost of attending different schools.

Types of Financial Aid

• Scholarships: Funds awarded by colleges, businesses or organizations, typically based on academic achievement, talent, service or other qualifications. These awards do not need to be repaid, and some are based on financial need.

• Grants: Need-based financial aid that does not need to be repaid. Most federal and state grants are awarded through the FAFSA process.

• Student Loans: Money borrowed by students or families for college expenses through the federal government or private lenders. Loans must be repaid with interest, and eligibility for federal loan programs is determined through the FAFSA.

• Work-Study Programs: Provide part-time employment for eligible students to help offset educational expenses. Work-study eligibility is determined through the FAFSA and is awarded by participating colleges.

What is FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form students complete to determine their eligibility for federal grants, work-study and loans. Completing the FAFSA is free, and it is the gateway to the largest source of financial aid available for college or career training programs.

Many states, colleges and scholarship organizations also use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for their own financial aid programs. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as early as possible each year to maximize the financial aid available to them.

Complete Your FAFSA Application

Visiting college campuses is one of the most valuable ways for students to explore their options and determine which schools feel like the right fit. A campus visit provides a firsthand look at academic programs, student life, facilities and the overall campus environment.

Juniors and seniors are encouraged to schedule visits during the school year, and Brentwood High School allows two excused college visit days per year for each grade level. Students should contact the college’s admissions office to arrange an official visit and, whenever possible, plan to visit when classes are in session.

Students also have the opportunity to meet with college and university representatives on our campus throughout the year. These small-group sessions give students a chance to learn about admission requirements, academic programs, scholarships and campus life directly from the institution. Students can view upcoming visits and register in advance through Scoir.

Our college and career team is available to help students prepare for campus visits, develop questions and make the most of each opportunity.

For students interested in continuing athletics at the college level, Brentwood High School offers guidance and support to help navigate the recruiting and eligibility process. College athletics can be a rewarding path — allowing student-athletes to combine academic and athletic ambitions — but it also requires planning, preparation and attention to academic standards.

Our college and career team helps student-athletes understand what to expect. This includes reviewing eligibility requirements, guiding students through academic course selection to meet those requirements, and helping them build strong athletic and academic profiles. Students interested in recruitment should register with the appropriate eligibility systems as early as possible and also begin preparing materials such as transcripts, athletic resumes, and — if appropriate — highlight videos. 

We encourage students to communicate with their coaches and school counselor early, stay on top of coursework and school requirements, and manage their time — balancing athletics, academics and college-planning tasks. Whether a student hopes to play for a competitive Division I program or join a smaller college team, Brentwood will help them understand their options and support them as they work toward their goals.

Summer programs give high school students an excellent opportunity to explore interests, experience college life, build new skills and prepare for life after graduation. From academic enrichment and research experiences to career-focused camps, immersion programs and volunteer opportunities, these programs help students discover what inspires them while strengthening their college and career readiness.

Many colleges and universities offer pre-college programs where students can take courses, participate in research, experience campus life or deepen their understanding of a specific academic field. Local organizations, nonprofits and industry partners also host summer experiences related to science, engineering, business, health care, aviation, the arts and other high-demand career pathways. These programs vary in length and structure, giving students the flexibility to choose experiences that fit their goals and schedules.

Summer opportunities are a great way for students to develop independence, explore potential majors, build résumés and gain hands-on experience. Some programs even offer the option to earn college credit, participate in internships or complete service-learning hours. Students interested in unique career fields — such as skilled trades, public safety, technology or environmental sciences — can also explore specialized programs offered throughout the St. Louis region.

Students and families are encouraged to check Scoir regularly, review deadlines carefully and reach out to our college and career team for support in finding programs that fit their interests.

Scoir is Brentwood High School's primary hub for college and career readiness — and it’s designed to make the entire process easier, more organized, and more collaborative. Through Scoir, students and their families can explore colleges and careers, compare options, track applications, and plan for life after graduation, all in one secure place.

What Scoir lets you do:

• Build and maintain a personal profile that includes academic history, activities, honors, volunteer or work experience — useful for college applications, résumés, or scholarships.
   
• Search and explore a wide range of postsecondary options: 4-year colleges, community colleges, technical/trade schools; view details like majors, admission requirements, costs, and available programs.
   
• Receive customized college and career matches based on your priorities, interests, and strengths — giving you a head start on finding schools that truly fit you.
   
• Track your college applications, request transcripts or recommendation letters, and monitor admissions status all in one place — helping reduce stress and keep everything organized.
   
• Plan out the steps to stay on track: keep tabs on tasks, deadlines, college visits, application components, and maintain clear communication with counselors and parents/guardians.
   
• Explore careers and career pathways — not just colleges. Scoir supports self-discovery through interest and character assessments, helping students consider what they might enjoy and what they might be good at before choosing majors or schools.

If you have any questions about your Scoir account, please contact College and Career Advisor Emily Diaz at ediaz@brentwoodmoschools.org or 314-262-8511.