Science Requirements for College

Does anyone know if completing four years of science is a common requirement when applying to college? Trying to plan out my senior year.

While many colleges do appreciate and encourage four years of science, it's not universally required. Typically, colleges recommend taking three years of science at a minimum as part of their admissions requirements. However, the actual requirement can vary significantly between institutions.

For most colleges and universities, especially those in the more selective range, you'd be expected to take four years of core classes including math, English, social studies, and yes, science. If you're planning on applying to particularly competitive or specialized programs like engineering or pre-med, four years of science (including courses like AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or AP Physics) may be advisable due to the demanding science curriculum you'll face in college.

Yet, the precise number of courses isn't the only thing schools look at. The rigor and level of your courses also matter. It's better to have three years of rigorous, high-level science courses (like AP or IB level) than four years of less challenging ones.

So, as you plan your senior year, consider both your college goals and your intended major. If you're aiming for highly selective schools or planning on a STEM major, four years of science is a strong course of action. But even for less specialized programs, a fourth year of science can show sustained rigor in your schedule.