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Why do I have to take science and math in my senior year ?

Why do I have to take science and math in my senior year? If I have already completed the necessary credit requirements. My guidance counselor said that colleges like to see that, is that true?

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Mia’s Answer

I just graduated college, so I definitely understand how frustrating that is! I'm the biggest math and science hater, trust me, but taking those classes not only challenged me, but they made me well-rounded and more aware. Colleges like to see a diverse array of classes, yes, but if you're going to college as a communications major, the college isn't going to care AS much about your chemistry class you took in high school. I don't know what the requirements are at your high school, but maybe find some balance between science and math classes with more fun, exciting courses at your high school. My senior year in high school, which was only 3 years ago, I took consumer math which is a math course that teaches you about taxes, how to pay them, how to write checks, etc. This is NOT required where I live to take, but I thought it was practical and helped me. As for science, I did NOT take one my senior year, but I did enjoy taking human physiology and anatomy in high school, and I don't even like science! Finding the gem in the math and science courses at your school can be the key to conquering that requirement from your counselor.
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Sophia’s Answer

Hey Sarah! You've asked a fantastic question, one that I too grappled with during my high school years. Including science and math in your senior year curriculum can significantly enhance your transcript. It demonstrates to college admissions teams that you're not afraid to push yourself, willingly taking on challenging subjects even when they're not mandatory. I found myself in a similar situation, not needing the credits but choosing to enroll in math and science classes offered by a local community college through my high school. This choice not only earned me college credits but also fulfilled some prerequisites I would need later in college. It's worth noting that some regular high school classes can also serve as prerequisites for college courses. Therefore, it's a good idea to explore potential college majors and plan your high school classes accordingly. This foresight can give you a head start and make your college journey smoother!
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Elisabeth’s Answer

I totally understand not wanting to take a lot of math and science classes but it's really important to have those as a baseline for your college education! Most degree programs require math and have pre-requisites for math such as College Algebra up to Calc 1 for graduation. It's much easier to keep your math skills sharp by continuing to take math classes your whole high school career into your 2nd or 3rd year of college. I dislike math and wasn't great at it either, but I kept taking the next class in the series until I hit the wall at Calc 2.

The same can be said for science, however, there are some "easier" lab sciences out there for non-STEM majors such as geology, plant bio, and soil science. These classes provide some basic understanding of the scientific method and how labs/experiments work. You might find a great love in Chemistry or Bio if you take a class for non-majors. You will also meet a lot of smart people in these classes who can help you find ways to study and think about the classwork in a way that works for your brain. You will definitely benefit from taking these classes, even if you only "pass" and hate them the whole time.
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Su-Ting’s Answer

I would say that taking these classes creates a good foundation for your future classes, and I think generally it's good to have knowledge in math and science fields anyways. If you are looking to go into a more technical major/career as well, these classes are essential for upper division courses.
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Shirley’s Answer

If your guidance counselor has confirmed you have met the graduation requirements with respect to math and science classes, you should be allowed to enroll in electives. The availability of elective courses depends on your specific school. I recommend taking AP courses because if you do well on the AP exam and your college acknowledges the credit, you can take a college class in high school for free. Although they are difficult classes, it's one less thing to worry about in college.
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Keith’s Answer

Hi Sarah,
Continuing taking science & math classes will show colleges that you are challenging yourself, but also will help your ability to problem solve and think critically. These will be skills that stay with you throughout your life. Good luck!
Keith
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Rebecca’s Answer

Take every course you can take in high school while it is free (no tuition). If you are taking higher level math and science courses in high school there is a chance you would be able to get some standard math/science courses requirements waived in college. And college tuition is very expensive. Also, even if you are unable to waive any college classes, the base understanding will help you with the more challenging college math/science coursework.
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Ankita’s Answer

Taking science and math in your senior year is important because:

1. Colleges Prefer It: They like to see that you're challenging yourself until graduation.
2. Skills Stay Sharp: Continuing these subjects keeps your knowledge fresh for college.
3. Critical Skills: Science and math help develop essential problem-solving and analytical skills.

Your guidance counselor is right; colleges do appreciate seeing these subjects on your transcript in your senior year.
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Cherelle’s Answer

Hi Sarah!

Great question!

Look at it like this:

EVERYTHING that we do in life involves math.. counting money, balancing a checkbook, household budgeting, comparing prices, travel expenses, time and much more!

And that same concept even applies to science! We use it for things like conservation, agriculture, health, public policy, and much more!

So in essence … Math is the “How” and Science….. well, it answers A LOT of the “Why” in life.

We need them BOTH to succeed in every day life but even more from a career perspective, whether that looks like a career in business development (sales), retail, project / product / program management, engineering and basically anything STEM related. They matter, believe me!

Hope this helps!


Cherelle M.
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Brittany’s Answer

In general, the more well-rounded you are, the better prepared you will be for college. Most colleges will also have core classes you must take in English, Math, Science, etc. and you will be more prepared for them by putting in the work and learning in high school.

Before you know it, you'll begin to drop classes and start specializing in your chosen subject. Good luck!
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Martha’s Answer

Having a solid foundation is crucial for advancing your education. Even though I don't take many math classes now, I still remember the fundamental principles I learned years ago. Tackling tough courses can be hard, but it helps you to solve problems and discover what you're capable of.
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Joanna Rose’s Answer

You need science and math in your senior year to prepare for college or work, keep your problem-solving skills sharp, and meet university admission requirements.

From my personal journey, I've found that science and math in senior year aren't just about grades or college requirements. They truly help sharpen problem-solving skills and give us a better grasp of the world. Trust me, these subjects have come to my rescue more times than I can count, both in my career and day-to-day life.
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Phoenix’s Answer

Colleges are always interested in students who challenge themselves and are excited to learn. I know it is tempting to try to give yourself an easy senior year, but a little work can go a long way toward showing colleges that you are a good student and would make a good addition to their school. It's also always good to learn new subjects, so if these math and science classes are new to you then try to put your best foot forward and get something useful out of them!
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Amina’s Answer

Taking science and math courses in your senior year of high school is important for several reasons, especially if you aspire to become a pediatrician or pursue any career in the medical field. Here’s why these courses are crucial:

1. College Preparation

**Rigorous Academic Foundation:**
- **Advanced Coursework:** Taking advanced science and math courses in your senior year can help solidify your understanding of complex concepts that you will encounter in college. Courses like AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and Calculus provide a strong foundation for pre-med studies.
- **College Admissions:** Colleges look for students who challenge themselves academically. Demonstrating that you are capable of handling difficult coursework can make your college application stand out.

**Prerequisite Knowledge:**
- **Building Blocks:** Senior year science and math courses build on the knowledge you’ve gained in earlier years. They ensure you have the necessary background to tackle college-level courses successfully.

2. Medical School Preparation

**MCAT Readiness:**
- **Science and Math Foundation:** Medical schools require a strong foundation in sciences and math. Courses like biology, chemistry, and physics are essential for preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which includes sections on biological and physical sciences.
- **Critical Thinking and Problem Solving:** Math courses enhance your analytical skills, which are critical for solving complex problems in medicine.

3. Skill Development

**Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills:**
- **Problem-Solving:** Math and science courses train you to approach problems methodically and think critically. These skills are invaluable in medical diagnostics and research.
- **Data Interpretation:** Understanding statistics and data analysis is crucial for interpreting medical studies and making informed decisions in patient care.

**Scientific Literacy:**
- **Understanding Research:** A strong background in science helps you understand medical research, stay updated with advancements in the field, and apply evidence-based practices in your future career.

4. Competitiveness

**Academic Rigor:**
- **Demonstrating Commitment:** Continuing to take challenging courses in your senior year shows your commitment to your education and your future career. It indicates to college admissions committees and future employers that you are serious about your goals and willing to put in the effort.

5. Personal Growth

**Discipline and Work Ethic:**
- **Time Management:** Balancing a challenging senior year course load with extracurricular activities helps you develop time management and organizational skills that are essential in college and medical school.
- **Resilience:** Taking tough courses teaches you how to handle stress and persevere through difficult material, preparing you for the rigorous demands of medical school.

Conclusion

Taking science and math courses in your senior year is not just about fulfilling graduation requirements; it’s about preparing yourself for the challenges ahead in college and medical school. These courses provide the foundational knowledge, critical thinking skills, and academic rigor that will help you succeed in your journey to becoming a pediatrician. By continuing to engage in these subjects, you demonstrate your readiness for advanced studies and your commitment to pursuing a career in the medical field.
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