Classes and Programs to take in high school for a Astrophysics and Cosmology

[berstell]

I'm currently a high school freshman in NYC and was wondering what classes I should focus on in school and what programs are available in astrophysics, cosmology, and or relating to it for someone my age?

Thanks so much.

 

[twofish-quant]

I think the standard college-prep curriculum would do just fine. One thing that you should do is to take the hardest math classes that your school offers, and get good at programming computers.

As far as astronomy and cosmology courses specifically, I think that you would be better off just subscribing to the amateur astronomy magazines (Sky and Telescope & Astronomy) and surfing the internet. The problem with formal classes is that they get very quickly out of date. You are better reading on your own. You might want to get a college textbook on astronomy and read through it on your spare time.