I’m doing Physics my junior and senior years in high school, but since I started doing mentorship projects in the Biology field, I feel like I really want to look at BioMed/BioTech/BioChem programs in college. I’m doing a BioChem internship this summer. The problem is, I have not taken any serious Biology or Chem classes in high school. I took Pre-AP biology freshman year, but I know that’s nothing compared to AP or Honors level Bio. I took Chemistry sophomore year, it was much more in-depth than the Bio class I took, but I still know nothing about Organic Chemistry. My question is, do I have to know much in these fields to get into a school for BioMed/BioTech/BioChem? And if I do, what should I do outside of school to teach myself the basic concepts of advanced chem and bio?
@woogzmama I’m not sure if you read my last post on the last forum I had where you responded, but I am sorry for coming off as ignorant. You had valuable information and I just was wondering if you have any opinion on this issue. I was also wondering if you know of some schools like VTech that have these majors, but allow undergrad research like VTech does. I have heard Tech does give more freedom to students to conduct their own research, but I could be wrong.
I’m sorry, but I’m completely ignorant on this subject. I’m flattered that you reached out to me for insights, but there are many others on this site who are more familiar both with VTech and with undergraduate BioTech programs.
Is it possible for you to switch out of Physics senior year of high school? If you want to go into biotech/biochemistry, you definitely need AP Chem. AP Bio won’t be AS necessary but if it’s possible for you to take it at a community college or AP it senior year, then go for it! Physics is helpful obviously but taking AP Chem or at least AP Bio will be most beneficial. Having an introduction to organic chemistry or some small background will help a lot. You can do this through either AP or community college.
@woogzmama Totally understandable, appreciate the reply though
@TheDidactic Unfortunately that’s not an option in the program that I am in. I would be totally open to any online resources or any books that I can use to self-teach. A textbook set may be out my price range unfortunately, but I was considering buying an AP prep book. Though,I am concerned that those are more for people who are already enrolled in that particular AP Course with background information on the topic already. I have used AP Prep Books before and I have always thought that they do well in covering all the topics, but I am enrolled in the courses that I am taking exams for. I have no way of knowing how a student who hasn’t taken a course in, Physics before will comprehend a Princeton Review Cracking AP Physics review book. So that’s my concern with that particular option.
I see. If you’re looking into prep books, I heavily recommend Barrons for AP subjects. I’m a huge Barrons fan and I feel they do an excellent job in prepping you in all subjects; however, Barrons is especially strong in AP sciences. I do understand your concern though. Perhaps you can form a small study group with you and another student (or a few students) currently enrolled in a class/course so you can both study the material together and go off of each other’s notes and stuff.
For YOU, watch videos on Khan Academy. Khan Academy has abundant resources and videos…LOADS OF INFORMATION in pretty much all subjects.