<p>D is signing up for senior classes and can't decide what science to take - was told most colleges want Honors Physics (as a 3rd lab class; she's only had H Bio and H Chem so far) rather than following up chem with AP chem - is this true? Also, how important are class rank and GPA as far as making a difference financially (merit-wise)? If she loads her schedule with AP classes, she'll rank 3rd-5th maybe (5.5/4.0 GPA), but she'd rather keep drama and chorus. She's looking at a Spanish major/ music minor for college, and her PSAT/SAT scores are pretty good. Any advice?</p>
<p>While Physics may be recommended for honors-track HS students, I can't see that it would make much of a difference in your daughter's case. Of AP Chem, AP Bio and Honors Physics, she should choose the one she likes best and would get a good grade in despite the rigors of senior year. </p>
<p>Taking one of the AP science classes would help her test out of one or two semesters of college science, assuming she gets a strong enough grade on the AP exam.</p>
<p>I haven't seen too much about colleges wanting bio, chem and physics; but I have seen alot about them wanting AP's. The fact that Chem is AP outweighs other factors. Also, physics is taught in a very boring way in high school.</p>
<p>yeah, i would go for AP Chem</p>
<p>AP Chemistry is a very demanding class and I'd hate to be taking it senior year if i wasn't into it. I actually took it junior year and loved it though. I did that after taking H Chem and thought it worked out really well. This year i'm doubling up with AP Physics and AP Bio and I have to say that physics is awesome and I wouldn't want to miss out on it. That said most of my friends hate it...</p>
<p>From what I've heard colleges like to see the 3 core sciences in high school rather than forgoeing one to take 2 years of another. However I've also heard that if you're going to skip one, physics is the most accepted one to skip.</p>
<p>If she thinks she needs another AP class and enjoys chemistry and is okay with not taking physics, I think colleges will understand, but physics is really fun and might be easier... bottom line she should just do what she wants cuz it shouldn't make much of a difference really.</p>
<p>i go to a boarding school and my advisor stated that most good colleges want students to have the three major sciences, chem, bio, and physics</p>
<p>hmm, depends on your school's requirements. at my school, I'm currently getting screwed over because I chose to take AP Chem over Physics and I need a science course in "three different disciplines" to graduate. However... I don't really regret taking AP Chem this year, because I am definitlely enjoying it much more than I would've enjoyed Physics! If your daughter is up to the challenge (it is very challenging, I only have a C+ average because my teacher is uber nice), tell her to go for it!</p>
<p>Chemistry, for those who are good at math, isn't that hard. AP Chemistry will probably be mostly review and it will look bad for college if she took chemistry twice with the option to take physics. I'd suggest physics.</p>