Hey folks, I'm mapping out my remaining science courses before I graduate. Does anyone know if there are certain science courses that are absolutely required or highly recommended to complete before heading to college? I want to make sure I’m on the right track for STEM programs.
It's excellent that you're thinking ahead about your science course selection, especially if you're aiming for a STEM program. While specific requirements can vary depending on the college and the program within that college, a strong foundation in science is generally expected. Most competitive STEM programs want to see that applicants have taken biology, chemistry, and physics.
Advanced courses such as AP or IB science classes can be particularly beneficial as they prepare you for college-level coursework. For example, if you’re looking into engineering, having AP Physics under your belt would be advantageous.
Additionally, taking courses that align with your intended major — like AP Biology for prospective pre-med students or AP Environmental Science for those interested in sustainability — can help show schools that you already have a more refined sense of your scientific interests. You'll want to make sure that you have the strong foundation in the core subjects listed above first, though, as colleges will expect you to be able to make connections across fields, which will be hard to do if you have a gap in, say, chemistry.
Don’t forget to talk to your science teachers or school counselor for guidance tailored to your specific situation — they may have insights on how you can align your course selections with your college and career goals. Good luck with your course selection!
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