<p>The problem is, I am a freshman in high school. Although the program is open to students in grades 9-12 and I do qualify, I'm afraid I'll be the only rising sophomore at the program. </p>
<p>I have't taken AP Bio yet, but I just completed honors Biology with a 95, 97, and 100 for three marking periods. I am also able to obtain a very well-written recommendation letter from my biology teacher, who wrote a detailed one for me in the past that was excellent.</p>
<p>For those of you who've gone to the program... is admission competitive? Were there any rising sophomores there? </p>
The former is yes. I don’t know the answer to the latter.</p>
<p>You shouldn’t let the age/grade thing discourage you, though. It could make for an interesting college essay later on, or you could be rejected (hope I didn’t jinx anything!) and not have to worry about it. I suggest that you apply regardless of how many sophomores-to-be there have been in years past, and if you’re accepted, judge whether you feel comfortable then.</p>
<p>Hello! I took Biotechnology at SAAST last year, and while rising sophomores were definitely in the minority, they weren’t quite as rare as you seem to think! Can I assume that you’re interested in Biotech as well? It’s one of the most intensive SAAST classes, and I thought it was really worthwhile. However, without knowing more about your honors Biology class, I can’t really speak to whether you’re ready for it; we did have at least one person who hadn’t taken AP Bio drop out because it was too much. I know that I wouldn’t have had the same degree of success in Biotech (I received a grade of A+) if I hadn’t taken AP Bio first–my freshman honors bio course wasn’t of comparable depth. A lot of background knowledge is assumed, and the course is very fast-paced. You might be forced to play an uncomfortable game of catch-up, but if you think you can manage, by all means, go for it! : )</p>
<p>Thank you. Yes, I’m interested in the biotechnology program! I might reconsider my app based on what you said since I haven’t taken AP Bio yet. My honors biology class is on the SAT-II level, but even that is easier than AP level. </p>
<p>What were some of the more difficult topics in the program that a student who hasn’t taken AP Bio would have difficulty on?</p>
<p>@NYCKevin I am also in your position. I am a freshman now doing very well in Biology Honors, but I wonder how much of a jump the Biotech class was at SAAST. How was it? And what topics should we be familiar with to succeed in the course?</p>
<p>ya same, I’d like to know the intensity of the biotech progam. i got accepted and am going but I havent taken APBio and I haven’t been in a bio class since freshman year and am currently a junior…</p>