What high school courses should I take to be prepared for Biology major in college?

Applying to College
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Hi Everyone,

I’m a sophomore in high school who is passionate about the life science realm and hoping to pursue a major in Biology/Genetics in college someday. I already took Honors Biology in my Freshman year and I’m currently enrolled in Honors Chemistry since my school doesn’t allow us to take AP courses until junior and senior years.

Can you please tell me some possible courses (AP or Honors) I should take to be prepared for college?

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As far as science classes go, my dd took Honors Chem, Physics, Honors Anatomy & Physiology, and AP Bio when it was available to her. She also took an Immunology course and a Pharmaceuticals course which were all offered by her high school. She is currently planning on majoring in Bio (she is a college freshman and at her school they don’t declare a major until sophomore year).

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Thank you. Just curious does she go to a college that focuses more on STEM or humanities?

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She is at a NESCAC LAC.

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ok, Thank you

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You should take Bio, Chem, and Physics. Then take 1AP. I would take AP Chem. Having the advanced Chem class in HS is advantageous because it is a common college requirement and it more likely to a weed out type of class.

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What about math courses? I took Honors Algebra 2 in freshman year and now I’m taking Honors Geometry.

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What about math courses? I took Honors Algebra 2 in freshman year and now I’m taking Honors Geometry.

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Take AP Calculus. 1) schools want to see you take challenging courses, 2) some universities require it so you can place out of it, 3) helps with Physics. Backup would be AP Stats.

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Take all three of biology, chemistry, and physics. You can choose additional science at the advanced or AP level if you want. College science courses often assume at least a high school level knowledge of the subject.

Continue taking math. It looks like you are on track to take calculus in 12th grade, which is fine.

Obviously, take English, social studies, foreign language, and art as specified by colleges for admissions preparation generally.

If you are pre-med, be sure to consider the implications of AP credit. Also consider the value of various foreign languages in medical contexts.