How advantageous is it to take a robotics class in high school?

I'm super into tech and my school has a robotics class, which sounds amazing. But I'm a bit stressed about filling my schedule. Does taking a class like this help with getting into engineering programs, or is it seen as just an 'extra'? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Hey there! It's great to hear about your interest in tech and robotics. Taking a specialized class like robotics can definitely be advantageous for your admission into engineering programs. It shows your commitment to the field and that you're actively seeking out experiences that align with your interests.

In the realm of admissions, especially for competitive programs like engineering, colleges appreciate students who have gone beyond the standard curriculum to explore their passion in more depth. This class is far from just an 'extra' – it's a demonstration of your initiative and curiosity in technology. Plus, the hands-on skills you'll learn can be a fantastic talking point in your application essays or interviews.

That being said, colleges usually want to see first and foremost that you have a strong foundation across the "core" science subjects of chemistry, biology, and physics, as the concepts from those fields will be essential to your success in robotics or any other tech-related track you might take. So, if it's between robotics and a class like AP Physics, you should probably take physics and see if you can fit in robotics next year instead.

But, if you think you can take both, or you've already fulfilled your primary science requirements, this class sounds like a great opportunity for you! Have fun building and programming robots!