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As a high school student interested in STEM, is it important to participate in internships rather than take extra courses for colleges?
I'm applying to multiple internships during the summer near my area, but it conflicts with my dual enrollment courses, so I'm debating which to prioritize for colleges.
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Dr’s Answer
Hey Gavin!🤗
That’s a solid question, and honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it really depends on your goals and what you want colleges to see in your application.
If you’re aiming for STEM programs, both internships and extra courses can boost your application, but they highlight different strengths. Extra courses (especially dual enrollment) show that you’re academically driven and willing to challenge yourself with college-level material. On the other hand, internships give you real-world experience, hands-on skills, and networking opportunities that can set you apart from other applicants.
If the internships are directly related to your field of interest, they might be more valuable because they show initiative beyond the classroom. But if the courses are crucial prerequisites or significantly strengthen your academic foundation, they might take priority.
A good approach? Weigh the long-term benefits. If possible, see if you can balance both or choose an internship that allows flexibility with coursework. Either way, colleges love to see students who take initiative—so whatever you choose, make sure you can fully commit and get the most out of it.
Good luck with your decision! You’re gonna do Great! If I missed anything don't hesitate to reach out man! Good luck.
That’s a solid question, and honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it really depends on your goals and what you want colleges to see in your application.
If you’re aiming for STEM programs, both internships and extra courses can boost your application, but they highlight different strengths. Extra courses (especially dual enrollment) show that you’re academically driven and willing to challenge yourself with college-level material. On the other hand, internships give you real-world experience, hands-on skills, and networking opportunities that can set you apart from other applicants.
If the internships are directly related to your field of interest, they might be more valuable because they show initiative beyond the classroom. But if the courses are crucial prerequisites or significantly strengthen your academic foundation, they might take priority.
A good approach? Weigh the long-term benefits. If possible, see if you can balance both or choose an internship that allows flexibility with coursework. Either way, colleges love to see students who take initiative—so whatever you choose, make sure you can fully commit and get the most out of it.
Good luck with your decision! You’re gonna do Great! If I missed anything don't hesitate to reach out man! Good luck.
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hey Gavin. Awesome question!
First ditto on the advice that the good Dr has provided above :).
What I will add is...it is important to pace yourself. Dual enrollment, when done well, can be both satisfying and intense. If I had to choose between extra courses and internships, I would have to weigh the answers to questions like:
How long will the extra course last...like how many weeks/months? Same question for the internship
How many extra courses?
Is the internship a paid engagement or are the skill sets that I can learn from the internship valuable enough to me that a non-paid engagement is worth it?
The cost for extra courses...it doesn't always mean having to pay money...there is a cost in the amount of time you would have to put in. Is that additional time available to you in order for you to do well in the extra courses?
It is important to give yourself just a little extra time to give yourself honest answers to questions like the ones I have posed above. The good news is as you travel your educational and career journey, you will have lots of opportunities to assess where you are, where you want to go and how to get there. It is always good practice to spend quality time on deciding what works best for you and your goals.
Wishing you the best!
First ditto on the advice that the good Dr has provided above :).
What I will add is...it is important to pace yourself. Dual enrollment, when done well, can be both satisfying and intense. If I had to choose between extra courses and internships, I would have to weigh the answers to questions like:
How long will the extra course last...like how many weeks/months? Same question for the internship
How many extra courses?
Is the internship a paid engagement or are the skill sets that I can learn from the internship valuable enough to me that a non-paid engagement is worth it?
The cost for extra courses...it doesn't always mean having to pay money...there is a cost in the amount of time you would have to put in. Is that additional time available to you in order for you to do well in the extra courses?
It is important to give yourself just a little extra time to give yourself honest answers to questions like the ones I have posed above. The good news is as you travel your educational and career journey, you will have lots of opportunities to assess where you are, where you want to go and how to get there. It is always good practice to spend quality time on deciding what works best for you and your goals.
Wishing you the best!