<p>Hey guys,
I'm a rising senior in high school and have done three years of sciences: Honors Earth Sci, AP Biology, AP Chemistry. Next year I would take AP physics but have decided not to (plus it would conflict with my schedule) and to instead do AP Psych. I want to major in IR and have taken a hell of a load of social science courses (im leaving high school with a total of 12 AP classes). Will Uchicago look down on not taking AP Physics even though I want to major in IR? Plus, what science classes do I have to take as demanded by the core even though I would be an IR major? </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>The core is the same for every student, regardless of major. You need a total of six courses: 1-2 in math, 2-3 in the biological sciences, and 2-3 in the physical sciences. Most students do two courses of each. If you take calculus to fulfill the math courses, you must take two courses (you could take statistics or a non-calculus math). If you get a 5 on BC Calc, you will get credit for your two calculus classes. If you get a 5 on AB or a 4 on BC, you will get credit for one calc class. You will take a math placement test to determine which math classes you should take. You can meet some science requirements with high AP scores on certain science AP tests, but I don't think you can get out of the whole requirement. An exception may be for very high scores on bio or physics placement tests, but I've never heard of that. There are tons of cool and interesting courses for science core even if you don't really like the sciences, so you'll have a lot of options. </p>
<p>If AP Physics doesn't fit into your schedule, it won't be held against you. You should always take the toughest course load possible. Make sure your GC will check off that you've taken the more difficult schedule you can.</p>