When I interview applicants to the Academy, I get to know each student — their background, where they studied, how long they’ve been learning Life Science, and which topics interest them most. Then I ask a few questions to get a sense of their general level. We usually talk about life, what living organisms are made of, what substances are made of, the role of plants, molecules, and reactions.
I’m not looking at their chemistry or biology knowledge in isolation, but at their conceptual understanding of the key blocks of Life Science — such as ecosystems, nutrition, photosynthesis, classification of living organisms, vital processes, and cellular respiration. This connects to chemistry, where we talk about atoms and molecules, chemical reactions, and the difference between chemical and physical changes.
Based on the interview, I determine which group would be the best fit for the student — where they’ll be able to get the most out of Life Science this year and make real progress in both chemistry and biology.