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How do I pick classes for high school based on what I want to do with my life later on?

In the future, I plan to go into architecture. The college that I'm most likely going to attend requires that you take either trigonometry or physics in high school to even be considered. Do I take one, or do I pick both just in case? Because I am two years ahead in math and science, my 11th and 12th grade years will be available. However, my school also offers early leave to seniors.

Next year, I will be going into an Algebra II course. After that, AP pre-Cal. Then I have two free years regarding math. With Science, I will be going into Chemistry next year. The year after that, environmental science. I took Physical Science last year.

I would like to point out that my school also offers AP classes for high school students. My school also offers Technical Math for College and Career and Civil Engineering and Arch (two separate classes).

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Yunus’s Answer

Hey! It’s awesome that you’re already thinking ahead about how your high school classes align with your future in architecture. Since the college you’re aiming for requires trigonometry or physics, it’s a smart move to take both if your schedule allows. Architecture combines a lot of math and science, so having a strong foundation in these areas will definitely help.

Based on your plan:
Math: Since you’re on track for AP Pre-Calculus after Algebra II, you could use your free math years to explore Technical Math for College and Career. It might give you practical skills that tie into architecture.

Science: After Environmental Science, I’d recommend taking Physics if you can. It’s highly relevant for architecture (think structural design, forces, etc.).

Electives: Civil Engineering and Architecture sounds like a perfect class to take, as it’ll give you early exposure to concepts directly related to your field.

AP classes are great if you want to challenge yourself, but it’s also important to balance your workload. If you’re considering early leave your senior year, make sure you’ve fulfilled all the requirements and taken the courses that will strengthen your application and prep you for college-level work.

Hope that helps! Good Luck! 😊
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Niesha’s Answer

Hello!

Awesome job being ahead of your classes!

You should always pick more than one area of study.
Having the knowledge and choice will always be greater than education on just one topic.
This will give you a wide choice and put you ahead of other people going for the same jobs.

Have a great day.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Lena
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Tatjana’s Answer

Hello!

Great to see such a driven, enthusiastic person who has already charted a future for themselves!

If I were you, I would pick both. My parents taught me that it was more important to be gain knowledge and skills in various areas than focus only on one and they were right. Their favorite saying was "You never know when this will come in handy" - also proven to be right! That has happened with my Italian studying (pure pleasure!) and learning about financial literacy (a hobby that is becoming very useful!).

Since I have done a lot of translation of professional documents related to construction and architectural design, I know for sure that both areas of expertise (Trig and Physics) will be applicable and beneficial to you in the future, especially related to architecture. After all, physics is the predominant science behind architecture, and you will need Trig for various slope and angle calculations.
Having the knowledge and skills in more than one area gives you a wider range of future specializations and job selection.

Have a great day and lots of luck in all your future endeavours!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your perspective. Lena
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Dr’s Answer

Gotcha! Let’s spice things up and make this a little more fun while still giving you the solid advice you need!

Okay, so you’re already on the right track by thinking about your future career in architecture. 👏 That’s amazing! Now, let’s break it down in a way that doesn’t feel like a math homework assignment. Here’s how to pick your classes:

### 1. **Math: Trig & Physics, Take Both!**
Since your college needs either trigonometry or physics, why not go full throttle and take *both*? 🎯 You’re already ahead of the game in math, so this is your chance to really flex those brain muscles. Plus, architecture is a lot of math (sorry, but it's true), so the more you know, the better!

Your schedule can look something like this:
- **11th grade**: AP Pre-Calc (you’re already going there), and squeeze in a little **Physics**. Trust me, you’ll want that for when you’re trying to figure out how a building won’t crash down on you (spoiler: Physics is your friend here).
- **12th grade**: You can either dive into **Calculus** (for the ultimate math flex) or explore **Technical Math** if you want more hands-on, career-focused skills (for the win, right?).

### 2. **Science: Physics, All the Way**
Now, *don't* get too comfy with Environmental Science just because it sounds chill. If you’re serious about architecture, Physics will be your bestie. 🚀 Sure, Environmental Science is cool for understanding the Earth, but Physics is what’ll help you figure out how to design those cool, gravity-defying structures in the future. If you have the option, go for **AP Physics** — your future architect self will thank you.

### 3. **Architecture-Related Electives: Get In the Zone**
Since your school has **Civil Engineering & Architecture** classes, *take them!* You’re already on a winning streak by looking at these kinds of electives. Get yourself comfy with CAD (computer-aided design) and drafting, and you’ll be ahead of the game when it comes time for college. Bonus points if you can do a mini-project on the side and wow your future professors! ✨

### 4. **Senior Year: The Wild Card – Early Leave?**
Okay, so your school offers early leave to seniors, and that sounds *super tempting*. But, before you ditch school early, think about this:
- Could you use that time for an internship or job shadowing? 📅
- Maybe you could work on building your **portfolio** (hello, future architect in the making)?
If yes, then go for it! If not, stick around for one more year of crushing it with those classes.

### The TL;DR Version (because who has time for long posts?):
- **Math**: Take both Trigonometry (via Pre-Calc) and Physics.
- **Science**: Physics is your jam. No shortcuts here.
- **Electives**: Take **Civil Engineering & Architecture** and any drafting/CAD stuff.
- **Senior Year**: Consider early leave *only if* you can work on building your skills or portfolio. Otherwise, stay for another year of learning.

Hope this helps, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride! You’re on your way to designing the next cool building everyone will take pictures in front of! 🚧📸 Good luck!
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hi Lena!

It's great that you're thinking ahead about high school classes to prepare for architecture! Since you're two years ahead in math and science, you have a lot of flexibility, and I’d recommend using that to your advantage. Here’s how you can plan:

1. Math – Take BOTH Trigonometry & Physics
Since the college you’re considering requires either Trigonometry or Physics, taking both would be the safest bet. Thankfully, your AP Pre-Calc class will cover trigonometry, so that requirement should be met.

For your extra two years, you could consider:
Calculus (AP or regular) – Architecture involves a lot of geometry and calculations.
Technical Math for College and Career – If this includes applied math related to architecture, it could be useful!

2. Science – Prioritize Physics
Physics is essential for architecture because it covers concepts like forces, stability, and structural integrity.
Try to take Physics in 11th or 12th grade instead of Environmental Science (which isn’t as relevant to architecture).
AP Physics (if available) would be even better, but regular physics is fine too!

3. Architecture-Related Electives
Civil Engineering and Architecture – Definitely take this class! It will give you hands-on experience with concepts that architects use.
Any drafting, CAD (computer-aided design), or design courses your school offers would also be great.

4. Senior Year – Should You Take Early Leave?
If early leave allows you to do an internship, job shadowing, or work on an architecture portfolio, it might be worth it. Otherwise, using that time for more classes (like physics or engineering) will make your college application stronger.

Final Plan Suggestion
11th Grade: AP Pre-Calc, Physics, Civil Engineering & Architecture
2th Grade: Calculus, any CAD/drafting classes, possibly an internship

Taking both Trigonometry (via Pre-Calc) and Physics will ensure you meet college requirements, and adding architecture-related electives will make you even more prepared. Hope this helps!

Best wishes!
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Kangana’s Answer

Since you plan to go into architecture, it’s great that you’re thinking ahead! Here’s how to choose your classes strategically:

1️⃣ Take Both Trigonometry & Physics
Since your target college requires one of them, taking both keeps your options open and strengthens your application.

2️⃣ Recommended Math Path
11th Grade: AP Pre-Calculus
12th Grade: AP Calculus (if available) or Technical Math for College & Career (for applied skills)
3️⃣ Recommended Science Path
11th Grade: Chemistry
12th Grade: Physics (recommended for architecture, strengthens problem-solving skills)
4️⃣ Bonus: Career-Specific Electives
Civil Engineering & Architecture – Highly relevant, definitely take this!
AP Courses – AP Physics, AP Calc, or AP Environmental Science can boost college readiness.
5️⃣ Consider Early Leave Wisely
If early leave lets you intern, job shadow, or take architecture-related courses, it could be valuable. But if it means skipping key classes, stay for full-time coursework.

Hope this helps! 😊
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Rosa’s Answer

Learning many subjects in School provides an exposure to different things. You will get a basic understanding of different subjects. This will help you to select specific subjects when you enter in college.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Taking a variety of classes in different subjects is helpful in high school because it exposes you to different things. You won't know if you like something if you don't expose yourself to it. You can then dive deeper into a specific subject in collegue.
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Monique’s Answer

Please try to lean in on things that interest you. You ae more likely to be happy and content in the career of your choice and stay in the field. Answer the questions: why do I want to do this type of work? what value do I find in this job? How can this support my desired lifestyle and future?
Thank you comment icon This *is* something that interests me. Lena
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