I concur with Chay's list of attributes on the S side of STEM, as well-- intimate instructional settings, a peer group, and later specialization are all important components in developing a truly well-educated individual in physics, chemistry, biological or earth sciences. IMO, a robust research/internship experience is also essential.


BTW, even as a HS student, there were quite a number of internship postings that DD was ineligible for by virtue of her age-- about 40-50% specified age 16 or up, and some required a valid driver's license (which in our state almost certainly means being age 17).

With many of those postings, the reasons were twofold- regulatory guidelines are quite different for "children" than for "adults" or "college students" when you are considering a setting involving radiological, chemical, or biological hazards. Secondly, insurance coverage may specify a lower age limit.


Schrödinger's cat walks into a bar. And doesn't.