I’m a current sophomore in a public highschool with access to most ap, IB, and dual enrollment programs. This year I’m taking
-Chemistry I and II
-Ap Biology
-Ap Language and Comp
-Pre calc
-Geometry Teachers assistant(1 semester)
-A mandatory health class
-Spanish III
I’m really interested in STEM and I want to build a more competitive resume. Should I try taking calc 1 early, and is there anyway for me to continue learning about biology? For EC’s I’m studying for USABO and AMC 12 for next year, but also really struggling with USACO :'(. Any tips for next year? Thanks.
You should not try to accelerate in math unless your math teacher thinks you are clearly ready. Taking Calc early- vs. taking it in sequence and doing well in it- is a bad idea.
You should be trying to become the best version of yourself- not building a more competitive resume. If that means EC’s that are not bio related- great! If that means reading more fiction, painting, learning to sew, that’s great.
You continue to learn about biology by covering off the basics in HS- as rigorous a math track as you can handle, within reason, taking chem and doing really well in it, taking physics once you are ready, etc. Science is increasingly inter-disciplinary- which means that the “lines” between bio/chem/physics/math/engineering/computer science are increasingly blurred. Getting a good foundation- being interested in the world- developing good communication skills- all of these are what you should focus on now.
Isn’t calculus the class that comes after Precalculus at your school? If so, take it. If it isn’t, what’s the next course in the sequence?
What about social science? You’ll be expected to have at least 3 units, typically World or European History, US History, and something else such as Economics, Government (most commonly) or (less rigorous) Psychology, Human Geography…
Have you taken Physics? (AP Physics 1 or 2 I’m guessing)
Based on your current schedule, next year you’d have
Calculus (AB if you school offers AB and BC as an 11th-12th grade sequence; BC if it offers AB as a “slow calculus” option v. BC as a “college paced calculus” option.)
AP Physics 1 or 2 or Honors Physics
Spanish IV
AP or Honors English 11
Social Science or History (APUSH?)
A science elective (AP CSP, AP Environmental, Anatomy&Physiology Honors…)
You need to sit with your school counselor and make sure you have all the required courses to graduate from your high school…which surely includes three social studies courses.
Then check a few colleges you are interested in….some recommend 4.
You say you are interested in STEM….well…STEM what? That encompasses TONS of different fields of study and career options.