<p>My daughter is debating between taking a physiology class or journalism class in 10th grade. If she takes the physiology, she will have 4 years of science by graduation. If she passes on journalism in the 10th grade, she could take it in 11th and 12th, but realistically gives up any chance of having a leadership role at the paper. She is good at both science and writing, but not passionate about either. </p>
<p>She wants to keep her options open for highly selective schools, including UCLA. She doesn't have any major involvement with school activites at this point. (no sport, band or theatre for ex.) Does the typical clubs and volunteer work. Journalism might be a way to have positive school involvement, but she'd be foregoing the 4th year of science. (She will have 4 years of math, and english and 5 years of spanish.</p>
<p>It's going to be hard to choose...since she doesn't know exactly what major she wants yet (and it is very early for her to decide). I suggest the "eenie meenie miney moe" method.</p>
<p>But I can say that 4 years of science will look better on her transcript than 3...</p>
<p>Should the answer boil down to what does your daughter want to do?</p>
<p>I'm not an adcom, but I'd say take journalism. Leadership roles are important for ECs, so are awards and other recognition. Journalism may provide that if she enjoys it and has an aptitude for it, physiology won't do that ;) </p>
<p>And to be eligible for UC admission 2 years of science are required, 3 recommended. So I don't see a need for a 4th year.</p>
<p>Since she wants to be a competitive candidate for very selective schools, it is worth getting a better idea of what successful applicants have done. Reading thru one of the books on college admissions will give you a sense of what it takes to get in with regards to ECs, etc. And while I think a kid should do ECs because of genuine interest and not just to impress some adcom, getting a sense of the level of involvement others have shown may spark some ideas on how actively to participate and options that are possible. So while being one of the paper editors is good, for example, it's even better to have garnered writing awards in state contests, etc. If the journalism advisor isn't sending kids to the contests, knowing that other kids are doing so can prompt your D to find out about these contests and enter them. </p>