For High Schoolers Considering Science Majors In College

By Yessenia Gutierrez, Being Latino

As we’ve recently pointed out, Latinos are making enormous headway in educational attainment, but we still lag behind non-Hispanic whites. While there are certainly institutional barriers to reaching a higher education, we’ve shared before that there are also steps high schoolers can take to better their college application, and be prepared for the demands of college.

The following recommendations focus on those considering a science major, but can be broadly applied to all prospective college students.

First and foremost is academic preparation. This can be hard if your school doesn’t offer rigorous enough coursework; however, there are options. One is dual-enrollment, a program in which high schoolers are simultaneously taking high school and college courses, meaning they are working towards both a high school diploma and a college degree. Another is taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which are higher-level courses that culminate in the student taking a standardized test at the end of the year. If the student receives a high enough score on a scale of 1 – 5, they can get college credit. However, different institutions have different minimum scores needed to receive credit. Some universities will accept scores of 3 or higher, while some only accept 5s, and some only give credit for certain courses. Therefore, it is necessary to check the website of the university you are interested in to learn of their individual score requirements. Yet another option is the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), which offers examinations in several subject areas, including languages, biology, chemistry, mathematics, American literature, and psychology. The exams cost money, but it is a fraction of the cost of a college course. If you have further questions about any of these options, the best place to turn to is your high school’s guidance counselors or respected teachers.

For those considering science majors in particular, it is important to start building a foundation early on. Begin taking mathematics and basic biology your freshman year, and work your way through to calculus, physics, chemistry, and biology. Take the AP or honors versions of these classes whenever possible. If your school doesn’t offer higher level courses in these areas, or you feel that the teaching methods are lacking, it is crucial to self-study. Visit your public library for guides such as Chemistry DeMYSTiFieD, or Calculus For Dummies, all available for free. Ask your guidance counselor about online courses, classes that allow you to study a subject completely online, with the guidance of a teacher that checks in on you, administers oral exams, and is available to answer questions.

Academic preparedness is the keystone to a strong college application, but there are many other aspects to the process, including financing your studies. Don’t be overwhelmed. Continue asking questions, planning ahead, and reading up on your options.

This article was first published in Being Latino.