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To be a biotechnologist what should I do in high school
A Plan to get into Ivy League as a major in biotechnology
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Nadine’s Answer
Core Classes to Prioritize:
- Biology Honors/AP Biology
- Chemistry Honors/AP Chemistry
- Physics (AP if possible)
- AP Calculus (AB or BC)
- AP Statistics (optional but recommended)
- English and Writing (strong writing skills = standout essays!)
Experience:
- Research & Projects. I.e. Start a passion project: Conduct your own experiment at home or in a lab setting (like plant genetics, CRISPR simulations, or enzyme activity).
- Science competitions. I.e. Regeneron Science Talent Search, ISEF (Intel International Science and Engineering Fair), BioGENEius Challenge,
- Try to publish research (even through blogs or school journals).
- Internships & Summer Programs. I.e. MIT RSI (Research Science Institute), Stanford SIMR, Garcia Program @ Stony Brook (Biotech-heavy)
- Volunteer or intern at a university lab, biotech startup, or hospital research center.
Application qualifications:
- SAT/ACT: 1500+ or ACT 34+
- Letters of Recommendation: Build relationships early with STEM teachers and mentors.
- Biology Honors/AP Biology
- Chemistry Honors/AP Chemistry
- Physics (AP if possible)
- AP Calculus (AB or BC)
- AP Statistics (optional but recommended)
- English and Writing (strong writing skills = standout essays!)
Experience:
- Research & Projects. I.e. Start a passion project: Conduct your own experiment at home or in a lab setting (like plant genetics, CRISPR simulations, or enzyme activity).
- Science competitions. I.e. Regeneron Science Talent Search, ISEF (Intel International Science and Engineering Fair), BioGENEius Challenge,
- Try to publish research (even through blogs or school journals).
- Internships & Summer Programs. I.e. MIT RSI (Research Science Institute), Stanford SIMR, Garcia Program @ Stony Brook (Biotech-heavy)
- Volunteer or intern at a university lab, biotech startup, or hospital research center.
Application qualifications:
- SAT/ACT: 1500+ or ACT 34+
- Letters of Recommendation: Build relationships early with STEM teachers and mentors.
Updated
Nadine’s Answer
Core Classes to Prioritize:
- Biology Honors/AP Biology
- Chemistry Honors/AP Chemistry
- Physics (AP if possible)
- AP Calculus (AB or BC)
- AP Statistics (optional but recommended)
- English and Writing (strong writing skills = standout essays!)
Experience:
- Research & Projects. I.e. Start a passion project: Conduct your own experiment at home or in a lab setting (like plant genetics, CRISPR simulations, or enzyme activity).
- Science competitions. I.e. Regeneron Science Talent Search, ISEF (Intel International Science and Engineering Fair), BioGENEius Challenge,
- Try to publish research (even through blogs or school journals).
- Internships & Summer Programs. I.e. MIT RSI (Research Science Institute), Stanford SIMR, Garcia Program @ Stony Brook (Biotech-heavy)
- Volunteer or intern at a university lab, biotech startup, or hospital research center.
Application qualifications:
- SAT/ACT: 1500+ or ACT 34+
- Letters of Recommendation: Build relationships early with STEM teachers and mentors.
Essays:
- What first sparked your curiosity?
- Have you faced a challenge in this journey?
- How does biotech tie into your identity, values, or long-term goals?
- Biology Honors/AP Biology
- Chemistry Honors/AP Chemistry
- Physics (AP if possible)
- AP Calculus (AB or BC)
- AP Statistics (optional but recommended)
- English and Writing (strong writing skills = standout essays!)
Experience:
- Research & Projects. I.e. Start a passion project: Conduct your own experiment at home or in a lab setting (like plant genetics, CRISPR simulations, or enzyme activity).
- Science competitions. I.e. Regeneron Science Talent Search, ISEF (Intel International Science and Engineering Fair), BioGENEius Challenge,
- Try to publish research (even through blogs or school journals).
- Internships & Summer Programs. I.e. MIT RSI (Research Science Institute), Stanford SIMR, Garcia Program @ Stony Brook (Biotech-heavy)
- Volunteer or intern at a university lab, biotech startup, or hospital research center.
Application qualifications:
- SAT/ACT: 1500+ or ACT 34+
- Letters of Recommendation: Build relationships early with STEM teachers and mentors.
Essays:
- What first sparked your curiosity?
- Have you faced a challenge in this journey?
- How does biotech tie into your identity, values, or long-term goals?
Updated
Karthick’s Answer
Hello,
There are parts I followed with some changes, but they all work well together.
Part 1: High School Foundation
Excel in Advanced Science & Math:
- Take the toughest classes, especially AP courses.
- Biology: AP Biology is a must.
- Chemistry: AP Chemistry is important.
- Math: Complete AP Calculus BC.
Develop Key Skills:
- Coding: Learn Python, the language of bioinformatics. An AP Computer Science class is a great start.
- Writing: Improve your writing in English/Humanities classes. Clear communication is crucial for scientists.
Show Passion Outside of Class:
- Join Science Clubs: Get involved in Science Olympiad, HOSA, or your school's Science Club. Aim for leadership roles.
- Compete: Enter your local Science Fair and aim for state or higher levels. Try for the USA Biology Olympiad (USABO).
Part 2: Your Plan to Get Into an Ivy League
Top schools expect great grades, but you need to show more drive and passion.
Achieve Elite Academics:
- Aim for a near-perfect GPA in challenging courses.
- Target a top 1-2% score on the SAT or ACT.
- Score a 5 on all key AP exams.
Develop a "Spike" of Passion:
- Get Real Lab Experience: This is crucial. During the summer after sophomore or junior year, email professors at a local university to volunteer in their lab. Be persistent.
- Attend a Prestigious Summer Program: These programs are important for admissions. Examples include Research Science Institute (RSI), Summer Science Program (SSP), and Clark Scholars.
- Execute a High-Level Independent Project: Use your lab experience to create a research project that can win at state-level science fairs or qualify for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Tell a Compelling Story (Your Essays):
- Define Your "Why": Your essays should connect your activities to a central mission. What problem do you want to solve with biotechnology?
- Customize for Each School: Mention specific professors, labs, or research programs that align with your "why." Show why you belong there.
Secure Powerful Recommendations:
- Teacher #1 (STEM): A biology or chemistry teacher who knows your passion and skills.
- Teacher #2 (Humanities): An English or history teacher who can speak about your writing and critical thinking.
- The "Secret Weapon" Letter: A recommendation from your research mentor, like a professor or Ph.D. student, is very powerful and shows your potential.
There are parts I followed with some changes, but they all work well together.
Part 1: High School Foundation
Excel in Advanced Science & Math:
- Take the toughest classes, especially AP courses.
- Biology: AP Biology is a must.
- Chemistry: AP Chemistry is important.
- Math: Complete AP Calculus BC.
Develop Key Skills:
- Coding: Learn Python, the language of bioinformatics. An AP Computer Science class is a great start.
- Writing: Improve your writing in English/Humanities classes. Clear communication is crucial for scientists.
Show Passion Outside of Class:
- Join Science Clubs: Get involved in Science Olympiad, HOSA, or your school's Science Club. Aim for leadership roles.
- Compete: Enter your local Science Fair and aim for state or higher levels. Try for the USA Biology Olympiad (USABO).
Part 2: Your Plan to Get Into an Ivy League
Top schools expect great grades, but you need to show more drive and passion.
Achieve Elite Academics:
- Aim for a near-perfect GPA in challenging courses.
- Target a top 1-2% score on the SAT or ACT.
- Score a 5 on all key AP exams.
Develop a "Spike" of Passion:
- Get Real Lab Experience: This is crucial. During the summer after sophomore or junior year, email professors at a local university to volunteer in their lab. Be persistent.
- Attend a Prestigious Summer Program: These programs are important for admissions. Examples include Research Science Institute (RSI), Summer Science Program (SSP), and Clark Scholars.
- Execute a High-Level Independent Project: Use your lab experience to create a research project that can win at state-level science fairs or qualify for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Tell a Compelling Story (Your Essays):
- Define Your "Why": Your essays should connect your activities to a central mission. What problem do you want to solve with biotechnology?
- Customize for Each School: Mention specific professors, labs, or research programs that align with your "why." Show why you belong there.
Secure Powerful Recommendations:
- Teacher #1 (STEM): A biology or chemistry teacher who knows your passion and skills.
- Teacher #2 (Humanities): An English or history teacher who can speak about your writing and critical thinking.
- The "Secret Weapon" Letter: A recommendation from your research mentor, like a professor or Ph.D. student, is very powerful and shows your potential.