Prospective Students Coming from High School
Strong Math Skills
- As much math as possible
- Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Formal Logic option if available
Strong Language Arts Skills
- As much English as possible
- Reading and Writing skills are both vital to success in college, can utilize journalism
or other options
- Complete at least 2 years of the same foreign language
Physical Science Exposure
- At least one year of chemistry with Lab
- At least one year of physics if possible
Biological Science Exposure
- At least one year of Biology
- Human Anatomy & Physiology is a good elective, but should not replace physical
science options
Things to consider about AP, IB, A-level, and Dual Enrollment
- Health Professional Schools (like Medical School) prefer students to take their
science prerequisite coursework at a 4 year University. Students, who receive college
credit in calculus, general chemistry, general biology, and general physics prior
to entering a 4 year University, will need to take additional higher-level coursework
to demonstrate scholastic excellence in math and supporting sciences.
- AP, IB, A-level, and Dual Enrollment courses are great ways to enhance your high
school foundation. However, there are advantages to completing the science introductory
sequences during your beginning years at college. College courses are faster paced
than high school classes. There are distinctly different test taking skills, lab
writing skills, college study skills and time management skills that must be developed
for college science coursework. The introductory sequences are taught to prepare
students for expectations of upper-level science coursework taught by research faculty.
- It is not recommended for first-year college students to jump into upper-level science
coursework. For those who received college credit in high school, many choose to
retake at least one of the introductory sequence courses before attempting higher-level
math and science at the university.
- It is better to have a strong high school foundation in the sciences than to have
college credit in general education areas (like multiple economics and history courses).