5 answers
Kellan
Student
Gulf Breeze, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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What AP/dual enrollment classes should I take?
I want to become an orthopedic surgeon and work closely with a pro sports team. The only AP class I'm in right now is AP Precalculus as a high school sophomore.
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5 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1238
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Kellan,
If you want to be an orthopedic surgeon, you'll go to med school. Take all the math and science classes you can in high-school, i.e. biology, chemistry, physics, math) and also any health classes your school might offer (e.g. psychology or anatomy). Take as many as you can to boost your GPA but make sure you don't overload your schedule and have time to volunteer and get medical experience. A top grade in a fundamental class is still better than a failed AP class.
As for dual enrollment, it depends what your goal is. Generally, in Florida dual enrollment classes are free. You can take dual enrollment classes to get gen ed requirements out of the way and save some money on your bachelors degree. Make sure to check which credits transfer to the 4-year school you want to attend. Preferably take your core science classes at a 4-year school as some med schools won't accept credits from community college.
You could also go for an associates degree, e.g. for a health profession which would allow you to get a job in healthcare. This would look good on your med school application and allow you to work a job and make some money while you go to school. It depends which courses are available to you and how much extra time you have while still in high-school.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/dual-enroll-transfer/
If you want to be an orthopedic surgeon, you'll go to med school. Take all the math and science classes you can in high-school, i.e. biology, chemistry, physics, math) and also any health classes your school might offer (e.g. psychology or anatomy). Take as many as you can to boost your GPA but make sure you don't overload your schedule and have time to volunteer and get medical experience. A top grade in a fundamental class is still better than a failed AP class.
As for dual enrollment, it depends what your goal is. Generally, in Florida dual enrollment classes are free. You can take dual enrollment classes to get gen ed requirements out of the way and save some money on your bachelors degree. Make sure to check which credits transfer to the 4-year school you want to attend. Preferably take your core science classes at a 4-year school as some med schools won't accept credits from community college.
You could also go for an associates degree, e.g. for a health profession which would allow you to get a job in healthcare. This would look good on your med school application and allow you to work a job and make some money while you go to school. It depends which courses are available to you and how much extra time you have while still in high-school.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Jane Akinyemi
Lecturer
42
Answers
Salem, Massachusetts
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Hi Kellan,
Thinking about becoming an orthopedic surgeon for a pro sports team when you're just a sophomore? That’s ambitious, and honestly, it’s a smart time to get started. Orthopedic surgery leans hard on biology, biomechanics, and understanding how people move, so building your high school schedule around those subjects gives you a real advantage.
Science should take center stage for you. AP Biology is a must, it sets the groundwork with cell biology, genetics, and the basics of anatomy. You’ll see all of this again as a pre-med. Then there’s AP Chemistry. It’s known for weeding out a lot of college pre-meds, so getting a handle on it in high school puts you in a good spot when you walk into General Chemistry in college. Don’t overlook AP Physics 1 (or Physics C, if you’re up for it), either. Orthopedics is basically physics for the human body: think levers, torque, tension, and how bones and joints deal with forces. You’ll want a solid grip on those physics concepts. If your community college offers Anatomy & Physiology for dual credit, definitely take it. You’ll get familiar with muscles, bones, and how joints work stuff that doesn't really show up in high school biology.
You’re already ahead of the game with AP Precalculus as a sophomore. Med schools usually expect at least one semester of calculus or higher math, so you’re on the right track. AP Statistics flies under the radar, but it’s critical if you end up analyzing injury data or reading medical studies.
AP Psychology? That’s another smart pick. The MCAT covers psychology, plus orthopedic surgeons working with elite athletes deal with mental health, performance pressure, and recovery. Knowing how the mind works comes in handy.
Don’t forget about AP English Language. Doctors spend a lot of time writing—clinical notes, research papers, or even just clear instructions for patients. If you can take classes like DE Kinesiology, Sports Science, or Exercise Physiology, grab them. They line up perfectly with sports medicine and look impressive on internship or shadowing apps.
One more thing. Even though AP and Dual Enrollment credits can save you tuition and add rigor to your application, some med schools still want you to take core classes like General Chem and General Bio in college for a grade, not just skip ahead with AP/DE credits. So, use these high school classes to really understand the material. That way, you’ll hit the ground running and crush those subjects in college.
Hope this helps.
Wishing you all the best
Dr. Jane Akinyemi
Exercise Physiologist
Thinking about becoming an orthopedic surgeon for a pro sports team when you're just a sophomore? That’s ambitious, and honestly, it’s a smart time to get started. Orthopedic surgery leans hard on biology, biomechanics, and understanding how people move, so building your high school schedule around those subjects gives you a real advantage.
Science should take center stage for you. AP Biology is a must, it sets the groundwork with cell biology, genetics, and the basics of anatomy. You’ll see all of this again as a pre-med. Then there’s AP Chemistry. It’s known for weeding out a lot of college pre-meds, so getting a handle on it in high school puts you in a good spot when you walk into General Chemistry in college. Don’t overlook AP Physics 1 (or Physics C, if you’re up for it), either. Orthopedics is basically physics for the human body: think levers, torque, tension, and how bones and joints deal with forces. You’ll want a solid grip on those physics concepts. If your community college offers Anatomy & Physiology for dual credit, definitely take it. You’ll get familiar with muscles, bones, and how joints work stuff that doesn't really show up in high school biology.
You’re already ahead of the game with AP Precalculus as a sophomore. Med schools usually expect at least one semester of calculus or higher math, so you’re on the right track. AP Statistics flies under the radar, but it’s critical if you end up analyzing injury data or reading medical studies.
AP Psychology? That’s another smart pick. The MCAT covers psychology, plus orthopedic surgeons working with elite athletes deal with mental health, performance pressure, and recovery. Knowing how the mind works comes in handy.
Don’t forget about AP English Language. Doctors spend a lot of time writing—clinical notes, research papers, or even just clear instructions for patients. If you can take classes like DE Kinesiology, Sports Science, or Exercise Physiology, grab them. They line up perfectly with sports medicine and look impressive on internship or shadowing apps.
One more thing. Even though AP and Dual Enrollment credits can save you tuition and add rigor to your application, some med schools still want you to take core classes like General Chem and General Bio in college for a grade, not just skip ahead with AP/DE credits. So, use these high school classes to really understand the material. That way, you’ll hit the ground running and crush those subjects in college.
Hope this helps.
Wishing you all the best
Dr. Jane Akinyemi
Exercise Physiologist
Courtney Kennedy
Change Management Consultant
3
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
Hi Kellan! I would try and maximize the number of APs you can do. If you are prioritizing then I agree with the other's advice of taking AP science and math classes. The goal is not only taking the classes but also taking the AP tests and scoring well so that you can skip those classes when you get to college. The more APs you take the more your schedule opens up in college. Pre-med has a lot of required classes so the more time you can get back by having AP credits the better. I know people who were able to graduate early and then spend their last semester studying for the MCAT. I also only took one AP as a sophmore but junior and senior year is when you really want to maximize.
Theresa Cole, MSc.
STS Tax
4
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Theresa’s Answer
Sophmore!? I love this. Don't take a lot of AP classes just because you think you should. Be smart about it. Since you want to be an orthopedic surgeon, focus on classes like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus or Statistics, and good writing courses. Check out Modern States or CLEP for general education requirements. You might be able to skip some college courses and save time and money. Remember, CLEP credits are accepted by many colleges, but each school has its own rules.
I wouldn't suggest skipping all your core pre-med science classes. Medical schools have different requirements, and some may accept AP or other credits, but others might not.
The main idea is to work smarter, not just harder. You have a long academic journey ahead. Save time and money where you can, but make sure you have a strong foundation in the subjects you really need.
I wouldn't suggest skipping all your core pre-med science classes. Medical schools have different requirements, and some may accept AP or other credits, but others might not.
The main idea is to work smarter, not just harder. You have a long academic journey ahead. Save time and money where you can, but make sure you have a strong foundation in the subjects you really need.
Elise Palasak
Healthcare Technology Consultant
3
Answers
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Updated
Elise’s Answer
It's great that you are already thinking so far ahead to your future! I suggest taking AP or Dual Enrollment classes that have a focus on science. Some of those classes might be AP Chemistry, AP Biology, or AP Physics. Taking these classes while in high school will give you a strong foundation when going off to college in a few years. Keep up the great work!