Yale College has an all-inclusive approach to undergraduate admissions. Admission officers comprehensively review all items in a student's application while also examining each individual component, like transcripts or test scores, in their entirety. Transcripts, therefore, are examined as a complete entity; individual coursework is less important than an overall academic picture.
Yale College admission officers review student transcripts not only for earned grades, but also for the types of classes chosen. A few factors officers consider are whether the student took challenging courses, whether A.P. or other advanced courses were available to students at their particular school, and whether the students took a variety of courses without limiting themselves to singular topics.
Before applying to Yale, while still attending preparatory school, is the time to address your transcript's weaknesses. Yale admission officers recommend taking classes that prepare you for college level math, science and English courses. Seek out the most challenging courses of study available at your high school. Finally, try to maintain a balanced schedule, one that includes courses you find intellectually fulfilling and still academically rigorous.
Because Yale College requires no specific courses for undergraduate admissions, you are allowed more freedom in your transcript and application. Admission officers will consider not just your grades and coursework, but your personal passions as evidenced in your essay, your extracurricular activities and your passion for knowledge. Be honest about your strengths and desires and you will produce a powerful application.