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What classes should I take in highschool as a freshman right now if I want to go towards medicine and becoming a pediatrician?
Im a freshman in highschool and need to start deciding and planning my classes I will be taking. I want some insight on classes that look good when getting into colleges if I want to go towards pre-med.
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9 answers
Updated
Deven’s Answer
Include Biology and Chemistry in your studies and join science clubs at school or clinics. The medical field offers exciting learning opportunities every day, and having a passion for it will make the journey enjoyable.
Updated
Gabby’s Answer
Take science classes to learn about the human body and psychology classes if available. Psychology is a good choice. You need strong skills in working with people, so any class that helps with this is valuable. However, focus on math and science.
Updated
Franny’s Answer
Hi Saanvi,
Hope you are doing well and Happy Friday!
That's an excellent goal, and as a freshman, you're actually at the perfect time to start preparing. The most important thing right now is building a strong foundation in science, math, communication, and leadership. Future pediatricians spend many years studying medicine, but success starts in high school.
Freshman-Year Classes to Prioritize
Science
If your school offers them, focus on:
Biology
Honors Biology (if available)
Biology is one of the most important subjects for future doctors because it introduces genetics, cells, anatomy, and human systems.
Math
Take the most challenging math course that is appropriate for your skill level:
Algebra I or II
Geometry
Honors math (if available)
Strong math skills will help later with chemistry, physics, statistics, and medical research.
English
Don't underestimate English.
Pediatricians spend a huge amount of time:
Talking with children and parents
Writing notes and reports
Explaining medical information clearly
Strong reading and writing skills are essential.
Social Studies
History and social studies help develop:
Critical thinking
Analysis
Understanding different cultures and communities
These skills are valuable when caring for diverse patients and families.
Foreign Language
If possible, continue a language for several years.
Spanish is especially useful in healthcare because many patients and families may be Spanish-speaking.
Classes to Take Later in High School
Try to fit these into your schedule over the next four years:
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
Anatomy & Physiology (if offered)
Psychology (helpful for pediatrics)
Math
Algebra
Geometry
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics (especially AP Statistics if available)
Activities That Matter Just as Much
Medical schools care about more than grades.
Consider:
Volunteering with children
Babysitting
Summer camps
Tutoring younger students
Hospital volunteering when you're old enough
HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America)
Science Club
Student Government
Community service projects
For someone interested specifically in pediatrics, working with children is especially valuable because it helps you learn patience, communication, and empathy.
The Best Advice for a Freshman
You do not need to have your entire career figured out right now.
Instead, focus on:
Getting strong grades.
Building good study habits.
Taking challenging science and math classes.
Volunteering and helping others.
Exploring your interests.
If you continue enjoying science, helping people, and working with children, you'll be on a strong path toward becoming a pediatrician.
Sample freshman schedule for a future pediatrician:
Honors Biology
Honors English
Algebra/Geometry (or the next math level for you)
World History
Spanish
Health or a science elective
One activity or club you're genuinely interested in
That would be an excellent start.
Hope you are doing well and Happy Friday!
That's an excellent goal, and as a freshman, you're actually at the perfect time to start preparing. The most important thing right now is building a strong foundation in science, math, communication, and leadership. Future pediatricians spend many years studying medicine, but success starts in high school.
Freshman-Year Classes to Prioritize
Science
If your school offers them, focus on:
Biology
Honors Biology (if available)
Biology is one of the most important subjects for future doctors because it introduces genetics, cells, anatomy, and human systems.
Math
Take the most challenging math course that is appropriate for your skill level:
Algebra I or II
Geometry
Honors math (if available)
Strong math skills will help later with chemistry, physics, statistics, and medical research.
English
Don't underestimate English.
Pediatricians spend a huge amount of time:
Talking with children and parents
Writing notes and reports
Explaining medical information clearly
Strong reading and writing skills are essential.
Social Studies
History and social studies help develop:
Critical thinking
Analysis
Understanding different cultures and communities
These skills are valuable when caring for diverse patients and families.
Foreign Language
If possible, continue a language for several years.
Spanish is especially useful in healthcare because many patients and families may be Spanish-speaking.
Classes to Take Later in High School
Try to fit these into your schedule over the next four years:
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
Anatomy & Physiology (if offered)
Psychology (helpful for pediatrics)
Math
Algebra
Geometry
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics (especially AP Statistics if available)
Activities That Matter Just as Much
Medical schools care about more than grades.
Consider:
Volunteering with children
Babysitting
Summer camps
Tutoring younger students
Hospital volunteering when you're old enough
HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America)
Science Club
Student Government
Community service projects
For someone interested specifically in pediatrics, working with children is especially valuable because it helps you learn patience, communication, and empathy.
The Best Advice for a Freshman
You do not need to have your entire career figured out right now.
Instead, focus on:
Getting strong grades.
Building good study habits.
Taking challenging science and math classes.
Volunteering and helping others.
Exploring your interests.
If you continue enjoying science, helping people, and working with children, you'll be on a strong path toward becoming a pediatrician.
Sample freshman schedule for a future pediatrician:
Honors Biology
Honors English
Algebra/Geometry (or the next math level for you)
World History
Spanish
Health or a science elective
One activity or club you're genuinely interested in
That would be an excellent start.
Updated
Neel’s Answer
Since you’re a freshman, you definitely don’t need to have everything figured out yet. If you’re interested in pre-med, try to take classes like biology, chemistry, physics, and higher-level math as you move through high school. Honors or AP science classes can also be helpful if you feel ready for them.
I’d also look into activities like HOSA, science clubs, volunteering at a hospital or clinic, or other health-related programs. Those can help you learn more about the medical field and show colleges that you’re genuinely interested in it. Just make sure you’re not overloading yourself and that you’re still taking classes you enjoy and can do well in.
I’d also look into activities like HOSA, science clubs, volunteering at a hospital or clinic, or other health-related programs. Those can help you learn more about the medical field and show colleges that you’re genuinely interested in it. Just make sure you’re not overloading yourself and that you’re still taking classes you enjoy and can do well in.
Updated
Violaine’s Answer
Freshman Year Classes for Future Pediatricians:
- Start with Biology in 9th grade
- Choose Algebra I or Geometry based on your math skills
- Focus on English to build strong reading and writing skills
- Take Health or Nutrition if your school offers it
In the coming years:
- Dive into Chemistry, Physics, and Advanced Biology or Anatomy
- Progress to Algebra II and Pre-Calculus or Calculus
- Learn a Foreign Language like Spanish
- Aim for AP or Honors science classes if available
Additional Tips:
- Join health-related clubs or volunteer to gain experience
- Discuss your ambitions with your school counselor
- Work hard to maintain a strong GPA
These steps will help you build a solid foundation for a career in medicine and becoming a pediatrician. You’ve got this!
- Start with Biology in 9th grade
- Choose Algebra I or Geometry based on your math skills
- Focus on English to build strong reading and writing skills
- Take Health or Nutrition if your school offers it
In the coming years:
- Dive into Chemistry, Physics, and Advanced Biology or Anatomy
- Progress to Algebra II and Pre-Calculus or Calculus
- Learn a Foreign Language like Spanish
- Aim for AP or Honors science classes if available
Additional Tips:
- Join health-related clubs or volunteer to gain experience
- Discuss your ambitions with your school counselor
- Work hard to maintain a strong GPA
These steps will help you build a solid foundation for a career in medicine and becoming a pediatrician. You’ve got this!
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Talk to your academic advisor or school counselor to learn about available pre-medicine courses. Focus on biology, chemistry, and other life sciences. Check if your high school offers Advanced Placement courses to strengthen your transcript.
Also, consider volunteering or joining accredited healthcare or science programs outside school hours. These experiences help you stand out and give you a deeper understanding of the field.
Best of luck!
Also, consider volunteering or joining accredited healthcare or science programs outside school hours. These experiences help you stand out and give you a deeper understanding of the field.
Best of luck!
Updated
Brandy’s Answer
It's great that you're thinking about this as a freshman! The good news is that you don't need to have everything figured out right now. Focus on building a strong foundation in science, math, and communication skills.
If you want to become a pediatrician, try to take the most challenging classes you can handle while maintaining strong grades. Consider:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Algebra, Geometry, and higher-level math
English and writing courses (doctors communicate with patients and families every day)
If your school offers them later, AP or honors courses such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Psychology, AP Statistics, and AP Calculus can be helpful preparation for college science courses.
Also remember that colleges don't just look at classes. Volunteering, joining science or health-related clubs, shadowing healthcare professionals, and helping in your community can all help you explore whether medicine is the right path for you.
My biggest advice: take rigorous courses, but don't overload yourself. Strong grades in challenging classes are usually better than taking every advanced class available and becoming overwhelmed.
You're already ahead of the game by planning early. Keep your curiosity, work hard in your science classes, and stay open to learning about different careers in healthcare along the way! 😊Cheering you on from here!
If you want to become a pediatrician, try to take the most challenging classes you can handle while maintaining strong grades. Consider:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Algebra, Geometry, and higher-level math
English and writing courses (doctors communicate with patients and families every day)
If your school offers them later, AP or honors courses such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Psychology, AP Statistics, and AP Calculus can be helpful preparation for college science courses.
Also remember that colleges don't just look at classes. Volunteering, joining science or health-related clubs, shadowing healthcare professionals, and helping in your community can all help you explore whether medicine is the right path for you.
My biggest advice: take rigorous courses, but don't overload yourself. Strong grades in challenging classes are usually better than taking every advanced class available and becoming overwhelmed.
You're already ahead of the game by planning early. Keep your curiosity, work hard in your science classes, and stay open to learning about different careers in healthcare along the way! 😊Cheering you on from here!
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Hi! It’s great that you’re already thinking ahead about your path to becoming a pediatrician. Planning your classes thoughtfully now will definitely help set you up for college and beyond.
Here’s a general roadmap for classes you should consider taking in high school, especially as a freshman:
Science Classes:
Biology: Usually taken early on, it’s the foundation for all medical studies.
Chemistry: Often taken sophomore year, it’s essential for understanding many medical concepts.
Physics: Also important; many colleges expect it for pre-med students.
Advanced science electives: If your school offers AP or honors courses like AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or even anatomy & physiology, try to take those eventually.
Math Classes:
Start with Algebra I or Geometry as a freshman, depending on your level.
Progress to Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and even Calculus if you can.
Math skills are really important for sciences and medical school later.
English and Communication:
Strong reading and writing skills are crucial.
Take English classes each year to build critical thinking and communication skills.
Social Studies and Humanities:
Classes like Psychology or Sociology (if available) can give you insight into human behavior and social factors that affect health.
Taking some history or government classes will round out your education.
Foreign Language:
Many colleges like to see at least two years of the same foreign language.
This can be helpful especially if you want to work with diverse patient populations.
Electives Related to Medicine:
If your school offers health sciences, anatomy, or any medical-related electives, these can be really helpful and show your passion for the field.
Extracurricular Activities:
Besides classes, consider joining health clubs, volunteering at hospitals or clinics, or participating in science fairs.
A bit of advice: Aim for a challenging but balanced schedule. Colleges look for students who push themselves academically but also manage their workload well.
Keep in mind that your interests may evolve, and that’s totally okay! For now, building a strong foundation in science and math, and honing your communication skills, will serve you well no matter which specific path you take in medicine.
Good luck, and it’s awesome that you’re already planning ahead!
Here’s a general roadmap for classes you should consider taking in high school, especially as a freshman:
Science Classes:
Biology: Usually taken early on, it’s the foundation for all medical studies.
Chemistry: Often taken sophomore year, it’s essential for understanding many medical concepts.
Physics: Also important; many colleges expect it for pre-med students.
Advanced science electives: If your school offers AP or honors courses like AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or even anatomy & physiology, try to take those eventually.
Math Classes:
Start with Algebra I or Geometry as a freshman, depending on your level.
Progress to Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and even Calculus if you can.
Math skills are really important for sciences and medical school later.
English and Communication:
Strong reading and writing skills are crucial.
Take English classes each year to build critical thinking and communication skills.
Social Studies and Humanities:
Classes like Psychology or Sociology (if available) can give you insight into human behavior and social factors that affect health.
Taking some history or government classes will round out your education.
Foreign Language:
Many colleges like to see at least two years of the same foreign language.
This can be helpful especially if you want to work with diverse patient populations.
Electives Related to Medicine:
If your school offers health sciences, anatomy, or any medical-related electives, these can be really helpful and show your passion for the field.
Extracurricular Activities:
Besides classes, consider joining health clubs, volunteering at hospitals or clinics, or participating in science fairs.
A bit of advice: Aim for a challenging but balanced schedule. Colleges look for students who push themselves academically but also manage their workload well.
Keep in mind that your interests may evolve, and that’s totally okay! For now, building a strong foundation in science and math, and honing your communication skills, will serve you well no matter which specific path you take in medicine.
Good luck, and it’s awesome that you’re already planning ahead!
Updated
Yvette’s Answer
It’s awesome that you’re already thinking about becoming a pediatrician! 🩺 Since you’re a freshman, you definitely don’t need to have everything figured out yet.
For now, focus on classes like Biology, Chemistry, and math. If your school offers electives like Anatomy, Psychology, or Health Science, those are great options too. And if you enjoy working with kids, try volunteering, tutoring, babysitting, or joining clubs that involve helping others.
Most importantly, don’t overload yourself just because you want to go into medicine. Take classes that challenge you but still give you time to enjoy high school. Keep exploring, asking questions, and having fun with it—you have plenty of time! 😊
For now, focus on classes like Biology, Chemistry, and math. If your school offers electives like Anatomy, Psychology, or Health Science, those are great options too. And if you enjoy working with kids, try volunteering, tutoring, babysitting, or joining clubs that involve helping others.
Most importantly, don’t overload yourself just because you want to go into medicine. Take classes that challenge you but still give you time to enjoy high school. Keep exploring, asking questions, and having fun with it—you have plenty of time! 😊