I am strongly considering a biology major, but I’m only taking math up to AP Calc AB. I’ve heard that if you don’t take AP Calc BC/Physics C and still apply with an intended science major, your chances at top 25 school admission decreases significantly. Something about it not seeming like you actually care/could keep up with your proposed major. Is this true?
Thanks in advance for any answers.
No, not taking Calc BC and Physics C will not hurt you as a Biology major.
That’s how urban legends get started. Assuming that your GC rates your schedule as “most rigorous” not taking Calc BC will not hurt you. Added to that. Physics C is more for physical science/engineering majors anyway.
The AP Calc BC/Physics C combo is more suited for chemistry, physics, CS, and engineering majors, so you’ll be fine as a Bio major.
I hope you’ve taken AP Bio and AP Chem, though.
Does your school make you take Physics C with Calc BC? Otherwise I’m not sure why you are combining them. My kids took both because they were interested in them - the oldest majored in CS and minored in physics so it was logical, the younger one majored in International Relations so he just did it for fun.
If AB seems like the right level for you (it’s about half the pace of a regular college calculus course) then take it.