I’m trying to decide which classes to take next year as a rising junior, and I’m leaning towards a career in healthcare, possibly as a dentist. Here’s the list I’m considering:
Required Courses:
– AP Calculus Honors **
– Accelerated English 11 (weighted as an AP) **
– US History 2 **
– Chemistry **
– French 4 Honors **
Electives:
– AP Biology
– AP Physics 1 (VHS)
– AP Environmental Science (VHS)
– Anatomy
– AP Computer Science A
I’d love any advice on my choices!
It looks like you have a solid foundation set up for your junior year, especially since you’re considering a career in healthcare. Here are some suggestions based on your interest in dentistry:
Anatomy: Since you’re considering a career in healthcare, Anatomy would be a great choice. It will give you a deeper understanding of the human body, which is essential for any healthcare profession.
AP Bio: This is also a valuable course for anyone aspiring to be in the medical field. It will cover essential biological concepts that are fundamental to understanding health and disease.
Chem: Essential for a future in dentistry and healthcare; a robust understanding of chemistry is crucial for learning about pharmacology and biochemistry.
AP Calc Honors: Strong math skills are important in healthcare, especially if you plan to pursue a science-focused major. Calculus can be beneficial, particularly in understanding complex biological systems.
AP Physics 1: While not directly related to dentistry, having a solid grounding in physics can help with understanding certain medical imaging technologies and the physical principles behind medical instruments.
AP CSA: If you’re interested in technology in healthcare or any future innovations in medical technology, computer science is beneficial. It provides problem-solving skills and a background in programming.
French 4 Honors: If you’re interested in working with diverse populations in the future or possibly traveling abroad for education or work, continuing with a foreign language like French could be advantageous.
Overall, I’d recommend prioritizing Anatomy, AP Bio, and Chem alongside your required courses, as they are most directly related to your future career aspirations in healthcare and dentistry. Make sure to manage your workload to maintain a balance, especially with AP classes, and seek guidance from your school counselor to help you align your coursework with your goals!
It’s great to see you thinking ahead about your classes as a rising junior, especially with such a clear career focus in mind! A solid foundation in science and math is essential for pursuing a career in healthcare, and your required courses reflect that well.
Considering your interest in dentistry, I would strongly recommend prioritizing AP Biology and Anatomy. Both of these courses will give you a deeper understanding of the human body, which is invaluable in the dental field. AP Biology will not only strengthen your general biological concepts but will also prepare you for college-level courses. Anatomy, on the other hand, will provide you with specific knowledge about the structures you’ll be dealing with as a future dentist.
Additionally, while AP Physics might seem less directly related, it offers a unique perspective on the physical principles that can be quite relevant in dentistry, especially relating to imaging and tools used in the field.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the value of strong communication skills; taking Accelerated English 11 is a great choice. Being able to clearly communicate with patients is crucial in healthcare.
It might also be worth considering any available shadowing experiences or volunteer opportunities at local dental clinics; this hands-on experience can provide invaluable insight and help further reinforce your choice of classes. Good luck with your decision-making process!