I am considering pursuing a career in the Sciences but I’m not sure what I extracurriculars are available outside of school that are in that field. I’ve heard many high schoolers pursue science research, but I don’t know where to start if I wanted to do that.
I’m currently a sophomore and have taken regular bio (last year) and honor chem (this year). I only have a B average in Chem but it is trending upwards and I’m really enjoying the course. I plan on taking AP Chem next year.
I heard the Science Olympiads sound interesting, however, I currently haven’t learned enough in order to be successful on one of the tests. I asked my chem teacher about it out of curiosity and she said it wouldn’t be wise to take it before AP Chem.
What extracurricular activities should I pursue and will my grades the courses I’ve taken hold me back?
Does your school have any science or math related clubs? Chemistry and physics olympiads are good options as well but I agree you need more class time first. Though at my kids’ school, both were open to kids who had not yet taken the applicable AP class for practice purposes. Official tests were only taken by a limited of kids but the practice helped the younger students.
Does your school have a Science Olympiad team? Competitions consist of 23 events in various types of science. Some of them are build events which can be good for freshmen/sophomores without a lot of science classes.
In terms of research, talk to science teachers at school to see if they are aware of any research opportunities. Look online as well. Opportunities will depend on different locals. Large hospital systems also may have research opportunities. Though as a general matter from what I have seen, research opportunities in high school very often require some type of connection. Kids I know who have gotten them had parents with connections to help get positions.
Grades will depend on how you do going forward. Better to finish strong. And do well on AP exams.
A lot of STEM students get involved in FIRST Robotics or math competitions. One of my kids self studied for the USABO (that is not the same as Science Olympiad, though). It is hard to study by yourself, though.
My school has a competitive math team but it is too late for me to join this year. It’s definitely something I’d consider though. It sounds kinda fun. My school doesn’t have Science Olympiad teams, likely because not enough people would probably be interested (I go to a small private school).
As long as it fits in my schedule, I plan on taking Robotics next year. I’ve talked with students currently in it and it sounds like something that would interest me.
Does your school have a FIRST Robotics team, or just some kind of class? Join FIRST if you can. Some kids at my D’s school went to a nearby high school to do it for a couple of seasons before starting a team at our school.
Research is definitely an option, even if you don’t have connections. Remember that everyone who starts out in research is not going to know a lot- even if you wait until college you’ll still not know much about what actually goes on in a research lab, so don’t feel as if that’s somehow a hindrance to your prospects.
Look around at local hospitals, they often have a research department. You could even look at local colleges if there are any near your area, or ask your teachers if they know about any opportunities. If you don’t have any preexisting connections, I would recommend picking a place, and reading up the bios and research blurbs of professors/researchers, and making a list of the research that interests you.
You can just straight up email the professor/researcher(s) you’re interested in. Your chances are way higher if you have good grades, so include a grade report. Ask if they know of any opportunities if they’re unable to provide you one. I would personally recommend doing research over the summer versus the school year, as you can work more hours and get more work done, not to mention your availability will be way more flexible so it’d be easier for someone to find the time to mentor you. Contact people early!
Anyways, it’s possible! My older sister didn’t really have any connections and she started research in high school- the first summer she basically washed dishes lol, but the second summer she was able to accomplish and learn quite a bit. It will be challenging, especially as a high schooler, but speaking as someone who is currently involved in research, research is a wonderful and valuable experience!
Science Bowl and Ocean Science Bowl teams are definitely a lot smaller (and might work better for a school like yours), but you’d have to start them next year because regionals just finished. You can also try interning at a local university–many have internship programs for local high schoolers, but even if yours doesn’t, you can still email professors and ask.
SciOly, SciBowl, USABO, UIL Science, STEM related clubs, Robotics, volunteering at your local zoo, museum, or aquarium (my city has this thing called Aqua Teens), tutoring in STEM subjects, and researching at your local uni or community college ( @silmaril 's reply is really good!), are all really excellent STEM related ECs.
Your grades are pretty fine, I suppose for most ECs it depends on your school and your coaches for the competitions.
I know I created this thread a while ago but I’m still trying to find an EC that would benefit me in the pursuit of my field.
My school has no science bowls or STEM related clubs. There is a competitive math team, but that’s really it. My schedule likely won’t allow me to take Robotics next year (I’ve opted for an engineering course instead) but I’ll be able to take it senior year. Additionally, there are no local museums I’d be able to intern at and there is only basic volunteering I could do at the nearby hospital.