As a high school educator living in Claremont, California, Joseph S. Motisi teaches science classes. College-bound students may need to take more science courses than what is required by the state for graduation in order to gain admittance to selective schools. Most states have similar graduation requirements, mandating two years of science courses consisting of biology, chemistry, physics, or other physical sciences. Joseph S. Motisi discusses what types of science classes high school students need to pursue in order to gain admittance to a four-year university.
1. All universities require at least two years of physical sciences; however, many recommend taking three years.
2. Most universities mandate at least one year of a laboratory-based class. In many school districts, biology, chemistry, and physics all utilize lab-based learning.
3. Students pursuing a career as a healthcare professional may wish to take basic life science classes in high school, including biology and chemistry. If your high school offers them, organic chemistry or molecular biology provides a good third year choice.
4. Students hoping to pursue degrees in engineering or computer science may wish to take chemistry and physics courses.
5. It is not necessary to take all three of the following: biology, chemistry, and physics. If your school offers an array of science courses, choose two of the three for one year each and then supplement with science classes that interest you, such as astronomy, horticulture, zoology, or any other classes your school may provide.
6. Talk with your guidance counselor about specific science requirements for the career you are considering, and try to take available classes that support that choice.
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