Will taking only 3 science classes (Bio honors, Chem honors and IB design tech) hurt my chances of admission to top tier colleges?
I’m also going to take 4 years of engineering, if that counts for anything.
Well, looking at some school’s website, they recommend that you take chem, bio and physics for 4 years and one at an advanced level.
Is there any option to take IB Physics/Chem/Bio or something of that nature?
It will hurt your chances at top tier colleges (if we’re talking like Harvard here) but if they really want you, they will be able to overlook 3 years of science. You’re struggling to get past the first of many, many hurdles when it comes to admissions (and probably an overwhelming majority take Harvard’s recommendation of doing 4 years of science). It won’t mean rejection, but it will make it tougher than it already is.
Agreed^
A lot of students these days are actually taking even more than 4 years of science since there are so many like astronomy, anatomy, enviro, forensic, earth, ect…
So yes you will be at a disadvantage.
I don’t have room for any of those classes. I can probably take ap bio online over summer though.
Thanks guys.
Yes, most viable candidates will have 4 sciences, in our state they will have 5
What classes would be taking over a science?
If you take only three sciences, the preferred set is one each of biology, chemistry, and physics. Indeed, if you are interested in studying engineering in college, it is best to have physics and chemistry in high school, as knowledge of these subjects at the high school level is often assumed in college courses in those subjects.
More selective schools may question why a prospective engineering major avoided physics in high school.
I’m looking into computer science, not engineering. However, if physics would be better, I could do that instead (I just don’t remember if its offered online). I’m doing IB, and as a result I have a lot of social studies requirements. I’ll also have taken 7 math classes (3 ap, IB and 3 honors).
Some colleges have CS within the engineering division, with engineering type requirements such as physics.
That’s true, I’ll have to check specific colleges for that.
Taking only 3 sciences at my school is pretty common though. There really isn’t a single good science teacher, and not that many classes. The math and social departments are much stronger.
That’s really not relevant.
You’re right, I’m just mad about this. Does anyone know any online courses for ap physics, since Florida virtual school doesn’t offer it?
Agreed. Top colleges are looking for how you overcome obstacles. Blaming teachers won’t get you far.
Ok so 3 sciences and a lack of physics isnt absolutely a deal breaker (unless it’s required for the specific school), but it is a disadvantage. What can I do to make up for this?
It depends on your school. If it only offers 3 and you took 3, good. If it offers 10 and you took 3, that is a big question mark.
It offers design tech, environmental science, chem, bio and physics
So why not take physics instead of design tech?
Physics is an ap class. Design tech is an IB class. Taking physics wouldnt satisfy my IB science requirement, while design tech would. Taking physics in IB is only possible if you have an open elective.
Why not take physics instead of whatever high school engineering course you are taking?
The aerospace engineering program is really strong at my school. The competitions we do are some of my largest extracurriculars, but to do them you have to be in the class as well. But, I may be able to switch that class next year for physics, I have to talk to the teacher and see if he’s okay with it.