I’m currently a sophomore in high school and I want to Major in Zoology at UCSB once I get to that point in my education. I mainly want to specialize in Herpetology (I love reptiles and amphibians) and was wondering if the classes I’m currently taking are the right ones. I’m taking animal anatomy and physiology, honors English, AP Euro, math 3, Ag Chem, Spanish 2, and I play a sport. In my next years I’m going to take AP Biology, then Physics, and Pre-Cal then Calculus. I’ll also take Vet Science, AP US History (Most likely), and then either Econ or Government. Let me know if I’m going in the right direction!
Don’t worry so much about electives like Vet Science. They are fine to take, but what will make you competitive is making sure you take all five core subjects - math, science, English, social studies, foreign language - all four years, as the highest rigor you can. Your plan generally looks fine, but make sure you focus on core courses.
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Absolutely agree. You need to meet HS diploma requirements first, as well the entry requirements, for admission to the universities, by taking the core courses.
The UC’s and other universities like to see that you have taken the most rigorous academic prerequisites. Taking electives is fun, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of your core classes. Without the core classes, you risk not being admitted to your universities.
Thanks for the feedback!
Is this a regular high school chemistry course that is considered suitable preparation for college general chemistry that you will take as a biology major?
Yes, it is. I’m would be taking normal chemistry but I needed an intro course so that I could take Animal Anatomy for my CTE Pathway, but it still counts.
Follow up question: I’m planning on volunteering at my local zoo (it’s pretty small) for volunteer hours. Would that be beneficial to put on my transcript when applying for college?