AP Chem vs Physics towards CompSci major

College Majors Science Majors
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I'm an incoming junior and I signed up for AP Chemistry. Sophomore year I finished a year of chemistry (not AP, but required before you take AP). Senior year I plan to take AP Physics.</p>

<p>I'm considering to drop it and take Physics Accelerated (mechanical physics), so I won't die when I take AP Physics senior year.</p>

<p>Firstly, which is more important in a CS major? From what I understand, physics is more important (physics in game engines). Secondly, does anyone have any personal experience with AP Physics? I'll be taking AB or BC Calc senior year.</p>

<p>I get As and I'm willing to work hard. It's just that, AP Chem is reputed to be a difficult course that nobody gets an A in (I don't want that) and I don't want to put in that effort if it's not a vital part of the major I want. </p>

<p>Plus, I'm taking 4 AP classes this year, and I'm scared...(I only had AP Euro this year)</p>

2

<p>Physics is more important, but only slightly, unless you go into hardware / electronics. It does depend on what type of application you will be developing software for. While physics is often required for CS majors under engineering divisions, it may not be for CS majors under arts and science divisions.</p>

<p>As far as university credit goes:</p>

<p>AP Physics C: sometimes given subject credit, more often for mechanics than E&M
AP Chemistry: sometimes given credit for a semester of general chemistry
AP Physics B: usually no subject credit, though it may give generic credits</p>

<p>Check each university for its AP credit policies.</p>

3

<p>Physics is more important. Typical BS programs offered through engineering programs normally require 1 chem course and atleast 2 physics courses (which are calc based). If you take AP Physics make sure it is C not B.</p>