As Bill Nye says, “Science rules!” Science does rule, however, it might not come as easy as it does to a world renowned chemist, physicist, engineer, astronomer, comedian and educator like Bill. Many high schools today offer a wide variety of science courses that are worthwhile and interesting, but some may be more important to your collegiate career than others. With physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, psychology, sociology, geology and others to choose from, where should you begin?

First off, colleges differ greatly on their requirements for high school sciences. For example, some engineering colleges or technology-based institutes may have more intensive science requirements than a liberal arts college. It is a good idea to take one science course every year throughout high school, but that may not always be necessary for your college of choice.

The key phrase for admissions officers is “laboratory science.” These are classes with an extra hour or so allocated toward hand-on laboratory experience. These classes are important for college admissions because they more closely resemble courses that you will be taking as an undergraduate student. Typically, the core science courses of physics, chemistry and biology fall into this category. Unfortunately, while being useful in other ways to both your knowledge and college admissions, many elective sciences (like astronomy and psychology) do not run labs in high school.

It is important for prospective college students to build strong science backgrounds in high school if they wish to major in a science. A prospective physics major may be expected to have two years of physics under his belt before undertaking the major. Again, the more elective sciences differ here, as most high schools do not offer more than one astronomy or geology course, so one class shall suffice.

If you stick with the typical combination of biology, chemistry and physics through your first three years of high school, use the fourth year to study one that interests you at a more advanced level. Most high schools offer advanced placement or honors courses in each of the core sciences, and colleges love to see that students form a scientific interest and pursue it at a more rigorous level.

Most of all, make sure you have fun studying science. It may seem annoying or frustrating, but pursuing it should allow you to develop a respect and (maybe even) love for the subject. Science is truly everywhere, and studying it can give you a better understanding of the world in which you live.

To learn more, attend the College Workshops on September 16 in Shrewsbury or September 30 in Lexington and Westford.

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