Hey, fellow students! I'm interested in a science major in college, but I'm lost on what classes I should take in high school to prepare. Anyone know what types of science courses colleges like to see?
Hey there! When considering majors for science, it's best to align your high school courses with typical prerequisites for science degrees. In general, colleges would like to see that you’ve veered into the specific branch of science that you’re interested in.
For instance, if you're interested in Biology or a medical track, you should aim to take Biology, Chemistry, and possibly Physics. Advanced Placement (AP) Biology and/or AP Chemistry would be excellent additions as well. If you're leaning towards Physics or Astronomy, then classes like Physics, AP Physics, and Calculus could be beneficial.
Computer Science enthusiasts would benefit from programming classes and AP Computer Science if your school offers it. For Environmental Science, taking Earth Science or Environmental Science classes would be great.
Remember, depth is just as important as breadth. Once you identify your specific field, try to go as far as you can in that track. Participating in science-related extracurriculars like Science Olympiad, a coding club, or a medical volunteering group could also enhance your application.
Keep in mind that all science tracks typically involve a significant amount of math. Thus, showing strong skills in Mathematics (up to Calculus if possible) can help demonstrate your readiness for the rigors of a science major.
In sum, prioritize taking challenging science and math courses related to your field of interest, strive to do well in them, and involve yourself in related extracurriculars. Good luck!
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