For the past few years, I have been planning what classes I would take in the near future. Here’s what I came up with:
11th Grade
• AP Calculus
• AP Chemistry
• Modern Lit
• Band
• Government/Economics (semester long classes)
• Honors Spanish 400
• AP Psychology
• Advisory
12th Grade
• AP Statistics
• AP Biology
• British Literature/ AP Literature
• Band
• Philosophy
• AP Spanish
• AP Physics
• Advisory
(Advisory is a required course, feel free to ignore it)
I am considering taking AP Macro and Micro Economics senior instead of philosophy. I think philosophy would be a very interesting class, but AP Economics would probably be more beneficial to me. My one concern is that the AP tests are in May, and one of these classes will end in January. I am not sure if I would be able to retain the information especially if the other class is very different. I am also not too sure about my language arts classes. I wasn’t very confident in my writing skills until I got an A this year in American Literature which is considered an advanced course for my grade. Yet, I don’t think I would be able to handle an AP writing class. Any suggestions on what I should do? Lastly, I’m going to have to double up on AP science classes senior year, so what is my best bet? Which one is the easiest or which two would be the best together? Keep in my that I am taking Chemistry this year (as a sophomore). I’m not sure what I want to major in because I plan on becoming a surgeon, and there isn’t really a defined major for that. Suggestions on majors and classes to fit the major would be helpful as well.
Thanks!
Here is a link of courses that you will need to take during your undergrad coursework: http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/medical-school-admissions-doctor/2011/12/05/how-to-select-undergraduate-premed-coursework
To summarize, you will at least need 1 year of Biology, Organic Chem, Inorganic Chem, Physics, Math (at least 1 year of Calculus), and English. Based on your action plan, you seem to be right on track! However, I do believe that you should challenge yourself by taking AP English Lang. or Lit. IMHO, most kids told me that AP English Lang. is easier than Lit. at least in my school. As you can see, English classes are still a requirement in order to go to med school. If you are taking AP World History, Euro History, or US History, then your teacher should be preparing you for AP English through writing assignments (DBQ’s, reading guides, and prompts).
Regarding Philosophy vs. AP Econ, I would recommend philosophy even though it is not an AP course. It will benefit you in the long run. When/If you become a medical doctor, you will need philosophy in your practices.
“The trouble is that the academic discipline of ‘not fooling ourselves’ is impossible to teach per se.The teaching of philosophy may, however, provide a breadth and depth of understanding that can come as close to this purpose as is possible.” -Richard Feynman
@1LuckyBrave Thank you for the insightful information. The article was very helpful. I am taking APUSH this year; I did not consider this as motivation for taking an AP writing class, but you are right in saying that it is good preparation.
After looking at my course description book again, I have realized that Philosophy is a semester long course, and I can take it with government during my junior, thus allowing me to take AP Macro and Micro senior year. Best of both worlds!
Which AP Calculus are you considering taking?
@southernbelle16 I’m leaning towards BC because I’ve taken advanced and honors math for pretty much my whole life. I’m doing pretty well in pre-calc and I think the BC teacher at my school is pretty good
Okay, well if you do BC- you should consider taking Multi-Variable calculus or something Senior Year. I think it would look more impressive than AP Stats. You can take stats in college. If you want to be a surgeon, you’ll be on the pre-med track at college. They require stats anyways so why not just take it in college. Not all colleges accept AP stats for that.
@southernbelle16 What is multi-variable calculus? My school doesn’t offer that so I assume it’s a college class that I could dual enroll?
Yeah some schools offer it. I would recommend in dual enrolling at your CC if they have a math class higher to take after AP Calculus BC. I personally think it looks better than AP Stats.