THE MITOCHONDRIA IS THE POWERHOUSE OF THE CELL!! If this rallying cry excites you (instead of triggering fearful flashbacks to middle school science), then you’re in the right place. You've set your sights on pursuing a biology major in college, but you might be feeling a bit uncertain about where to kickstart your journey. We got you.
Biology is one of the most popular majors at pretty much any given college, making it an exceptionally competitive field. Bio is the foundation for a ton of different paths, as you could be passionate about anything from med school to wildlife research. However, you'll need more than impressive grades and standardized test scores (#1 priority). You also need to create an extracurricular profile that screams Why yes, I am a scientist. Let’s talk about how to do that:
Learn stuff
Ready to dive (get it, like marine biology) into the world of bio? Your first step should be reading books and taking classes. Start exploring biology courses on platforms like Coursera, The Great Courses, and Yale Open Courses. You gotta figure out what part of biology truly grabs your attention, and that means getting into the nitty-gritty. Besides readings and courses, stay updated with the latest in the scientific world – the latest science news or bombshell research article might give you a clue into your interests. You can also check out biology summer programs if you really wanna get ~immersed~ for a few weeks.
Figure out your niche
Now that you’ve started crackin' spines and clickin’ keys, it’s time to start narrowing your focus. You started on a bio basic, something by Dawkins or Darwin, and now you’re a little more interested in genetics. Now, go pick up some more books and some new classes about genetics. From there, your curiosity might lead you to explore the intricacies of genetic research and the underlying molecular biology. Your goal is to refine your interests step by step until you've carved out a distinct and specialized niche within your potential major.
Clubs
If you're not already part of the biology scene at your school, it's time to jump in. If there are clubs you can join, great! If not, take matters into your own hands and start a club focused on your newfound passion. Biology Club? How about Genetics Enthusiasts or the Environmental Conservation Club? The options are endless. Besides starting clubs, you can also explore other science-related activities like starting a student science journal or joining the robotics team or the Women in STEM club.
Internships
Internships are like golden tickets to real-world experience in the field of biology. If you dream of becoming a research whiz, go scout for internships at research labs or university departments. Or, if the medical world has your heart, check out opportunities at local hospitals or clinics. A lot of teaching hospitals offer special programs for high school students! If you're all about saving the planet, aim for internships with STEM-y NGOs or conservation organizations. Genetics your thing? Look for opportunities at genetics research labs or institutions.
Jobs
Getting paid to do work is always better than doing work for free. And not just because the $$$ is nice, but because having a job comes with a higher level of responsibility and know-how. While it's ideal if these gigs match your future biology major, it's important for schools to see that you can handle jobs + schools + extracurriculars all at once. Whether you're a part-time lab assistant in a research lab or flipping burgers at the local joint, these experiences both speak volumes about your dedication and work ethic.
Research
The true golden goose of any aspiring bio major is getting to conduct research with a college professor. It’s easier said than done, but hey, so are most things. You have your niche and you’ve expanded your resume, so start sending pitch emails to professors who you’d want to work with. Most academics are pretty chill and love responding to emails (Noam Chomsky will respond to any email. Ask us how we know), and if they don’t have an opportunity for you, they might be able to connect you to someone else.
You've probably caught on that there's no single, foolproof route to landing a spot in a bio program. It's all about unraveling your true passion within the subject. However, there's a trusty blueprint to help you get there. Even with all the fancy stuff on your resume, please remember to keep those grades and scores up!!
If you need help figuring out and exploring your niche, reach out to us today