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What are some helpful high school classes or PSEO classes to take for careers in the science and technology fields?

I am interested in computer programming and possibly starting my own business in technology/computing.

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Vamshee’s Answer

Computer Science has become an increasingly popular major. If you are dreaming to getting into top -tier computer science program, you have to take the right classes in high school.

You can do /consider the following.

Get Good Grades in Math
One should take 4 years of Math, take AP Calculus, Algebra, highest level of Math classes offered in your school.
AP statistics or Statistics
Take some computer related classes offered. (AP Computer Science, Computer Logics etc.)
Take electives connected to engineering principles, Robotics, Technology etc.
One can also join clubs or extracurriculars in robotics/3D printing etc.
Learn coding online or in clubs or school.
Codeacademy.com, FREECODECAMP, and Code.org are good resources to learn to code.
Do some projects or internships in computers/technology areas.

Hope this helps.
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Shailesh’s Answer

It is important to take the higher level (e.g., AP and Honors) science and math courses offered by your school. That also signals to colleges that you have both the ability and desire to take challenging work and excel in it.
Good luck.
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Nathan’s Answer

Generally speaking, most colleges are looking to see if you've taken some of the most challenging courses your school has to offer. Also, look for opportunities to intern or show initiative outside of school with volunteer opportunities that will allow you to learn the industry. Taking business classes to learn how to write a business plan, how to budget, how to invest, how to plan for the future will all be key things to pursue.

Nathan recommends the following next steps:

Find someone who does something you'd be interested in and buy them a coffee to better understand what they do and how they got there.
Setup a LinkedIn profile - don't be afraid to reach out, introduce yourself, and connect with a variety of people in fields you might interested in pursuing
Start learning how to code
Find a mentor who you can meet with once a week or every two weeks.
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Christopher’s Answer

The most important courses that I took in high school that later played a big role in my engineering degree were the following:

- AP Physics BC
- AP Calculus AB (BC is better)
- AP Chemistry
- My school didn't offer computer science elective until after I graduated, but I would have taken that
- AP Economics (for the business side)
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Wendy’s Answer

Don't be intimidated by advanced courses. Take AP math and sciences if they are available. Working through tough problems helps you develop the logic and problem-solving skills for working through tough problems in college and your career.
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Anoushka’s Answer

Hi Allyson,

In terms of high school courses, there are quite limited options that a school might offer to its students. A couple of common high-level courses include AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles. I want you to avoid feeling the pressure to take AP Bio or even AP Chemistry because that does not really align with where you want to go in life. Taking "basic" courses creates space in your schedule that allows you to take courses from community colleges. I suggest doing research on what your school district is comfortable with because you might even get high school credit for taking out-of-school courses.

Good Luck!!
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Stephen’s Answer

Any advanced science and math classes taken in high school are going to be beneficial in giving you a headstart toward a programming/computer science degree. Calculus and Physics will be required as prerequisite courses for any computer science programs so it is best to get them taken care of earlier if possible. AP Calculus and AP Physics would be excellent options to take if your high school offers them. There is even a chance your class credit will transfer to your college of choice if you pass the final AP exam for them which will save you time and money! Best of luck to you and your future endeavors.
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O’s Answer

Spanish computer science robotics algebra and it would nott hurt to take a trade as a concentration to learn more of the hands on trade tactics and exoerience that you want your business to specialize in also take a finance class
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Kimanu’s Answer

The best thing to do is see what type of curriculum that your school has to offer. It may be limited it may be advanced. But also see if you see if local colleges may be offering a bridge program if you qualify to take those type of courses you are looking for.
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Susan’s Answer

Here are some thoughts around starting your own business within the IT field:

1. Take IT classes - narrow down what area of IT are you considering? Coding? Communications? CyberSecurity?
2. Take Accounting classes - you will need to learn how to understand the business perspective as well as IT
3. Take Marketing classes

Hope this helps! Good luck!
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