Hello, I’m a high school junior. I’m interested in pursuing either biochemistry or engineering in college but I can’t decide which. I’m trying to narrow down my list of schools. Also, I am currently taking AP Bio and want to decide whether to take AP Chem or AP Physics next year. Any advice?
Change your username to something other than your real name. Here is how:
Have you already taken a class in Chem or Physics in high school?
Is Physics C the AP Physics class you are looking at? (Or Physics 1?)
Agree with the advice above. First be sure you take chem, and physics at least at the HS level. After that go with your interests, the better teacher, etc.
ETA I don’t think anyone who never met you and does not know your interests and aptitudes should opine on potential career choices.
3 Likes
Take the class of interest - and potentially attend an activity this summer - such as STEP at Purdue (or an available substitute) that can give you exposure to an area of interest. In the end, if engineering is an interest, it’s typically smart to apply to engineering…as it’s typically easier to transfer out than in - although there are schools where that isn’t true as well.
You are 16 - you don’t need to decide your career now - but it’s always great to be exposed to things.
If you’ve had chem and are thinking engineering, you might try physics, Ap or otherwise.
Best of luck.
Seminar for Top Engineering Prospects (STEP) — Engineering Honors Program (purdue.edu)
In terms of school choice, the US college system can be great for people who are not yet sure what major/career will work best for them (and how many 16-17 year-olds who have never been to college can really be sure?). If Engineering is a possible interest, a lot of people recommend starting in Engineering and then switching out if you end up wanting to do something else, because the other way around is often harder (although not necessarily impossible). But even if that is the plan, you can choose colleges where your options if you do go a different direction will be broader. And some colleges really encourage that sort of exploration.
So that is my two cents–if you are not sure, that is very reasonable actually, and you should pick colleges where not being sure is not a problem.
As for classes, I agree with the advice that it is generally a good idea to take one each of Bio, Chem, and Physics, and then do whatever advanced science electives you are most interested in (or like the teacher, or whatever).
It’s great that you’re exploring your interests in biochemistry and engineering! Both fields offer exciting opportunities for growth and impact. To help decide, consider your passion for problem-solving and whether you prefer working with living organisms or mechanical systems. Research universities with strong programs in both areas and consider factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, and campus culture.
This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. If you’d like to reply, please flag the thread for moderator attention.