<p>Which is better for applying to college? I want to major in either business or legal studies, so science is not really important. I have taken regular chemistry and biology.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>physics, you will not be competitive in admissions without taking it.</p>
<p>Where did you get that information? Because I strongly disagree. Just because you don’t take a class doesn’t mean you won’t be competitive. AP Environmental is one of the most fun classes they offer at my school, and I would take it.</p>
<p>Most colleges require (or STRONGLY recommend) 1 year each of chem, physics, and bio for admission. Look at their websites or all over this forum. Also AP Enviro is considered one of the easiest APs, definitely the easiest AP science, so it really won’t help you with admissions.</p>
<p>I agree with above-Physics is a better option for admissions as competitive schools like to see one year of each major science. Regular Physics that is algebra-based should not be that difficult</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure it’s two out of the three: Biological, Chemical, Physical for most colleges.</p>
<p>AP Environmental is still an AP course, while regular physics is not. That doesn’t mean that it won’t help you with admissions at all. That’s just a misrepresentation of information.</p>
<p>Also, most people at my school do Bio-Chem-AP Bio-AP Chem. That seems to get our valedictorians and top students into some very competitive colleges, as well as the Bio-Chem-AP Bio/Chem-AP Enviro combination. That’s what our valedictorian did this year.</p>
<p>And if, to OP, science isn’t that important, then there’s no reason why he can’t enjoy a fun science class with a 5.0 GPA.</p>
<p>I think it’s a toss-up. APES is widely regarded as an AP lite class. Take whichever class interests you more. One will have no greater sway in college admissions than the other.</p>
<p>Nope, it really is all 3. And colleges really don’t think highly of AP Environ. Maybe your school is different, since that is the normal progression, but coming from most schools, it can really hurt you.</p>
<p>Actually, most colleges require four years of science, including the three “base” science if you will. Especially if you’re majoring in business or legal studies you don’t need to take AP Environmental Science.</p>
<p>@needtoboard yes that is true 
Although there is some wiggle room on the fourth science (some colleges will count things like AP CS).</p>
<p>Which colleges are you looking at? Because I was looking at the UC sites, where I found my 2 of 3, just because it was easier to find and locate. I quote, “Two years of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in at least two of the three disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.”</p>
<p>And I really think that if science isn’t the focus, then it doesn’t matter what OP takes, but I’m of the opinion that senior year should be enjoyable.</p>
<p>I don’t get the sense that the OP is applying to HYPMS. Once you go beyond schools of that ilk, the recommendation is 3-4 years of laboratory science.</p>
<p>Hold on. Is OP a junior or a senior? </p>
<p>Because if he’s a junior, then take physics this year and AP Enviro for senior year.</p>
<p>Don’t buy into whole spiel about APES making you less competitive. If you aren’t going into a STEM field, the impact of not taking Physics is negligible in college admissions. </p>
<p>Is Physics preferred to some extent? Yes - but in the case of a humanities major, I imagine that you’ll find AP Environmental far more enjoyable (and relevant) than Physics. Environmental is far more interdisciplinary and involves business and law. It was by far one of my favorite courses I’ve taken in high school (I’m a political science major).</p>
<p>I fared very well in college admissions - I was admitted to a handful of tier 1 schools and the only rejection letter I received came from the big daddy Harvard himself - and I doubt my lack of Physics was the kicker. The reality is, when it comes to college applications, the lack of Physics on your transcript will more than likely be just a blip on the radar - I doubt any admissions committee will harp terribly on the fact that a prospective legal studies major has no familiarity in calculating circular motion or friction of a moving object. </p>
<p>If you want to take APES - just take it. If the rest of your application is solid, I don’t imagine there’ll be any palpable ramifications for the decision. </p>
<p><a href=“The Science Courses Needed for College Admission”>http://collegeapps.about.com/od/theartofgettingaccepted/a/science-preparation-for-college.htm</a>
this is a good summary</p>
<p>Many selective colleges recommend taking physics. I’d suggest looking at the websites of the colleges you want to apply to and seeing what their requirements and recommendations are. You should also see if you’d be able to get college credit for AP Environmental Science.
I’d recommend taking physics just because of how fundamental it is. In terms of general knowledge and having a well-rounded education, it’s just as important as chemistry and biology. </p>
<p>But none of those colleges state that it is required, and again, as the OP plans to go into a field other than science, I really think that APES would be more enjoyable and worthwhile.</p>
<p>Hi guys, thanks for the information. I will be a senior in the fall I have only taken chemistry and biology (my school only requires 3 sciences) I can take whichever I want. I’m looking at private 4 year business schools and other universities, none are big in science. I just need my last science credit, and want to know what’s best.</p>