I’ve been pondering to myself wether I should take AP Physics 1 or AP Chem as a junior. I am passing Pre-AP Chem this year with a 104 average so far and have really grown fond with the subject but since I want to major in computer science/software engineering program in college, would AP Physics 1 be the better course? If I pass Physics 1 I could go on and take AP Physics 2 since my school offers it. Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
If you really enjoy Chemistry now, why not take it as an AP next year? I don’t really see the need for either in computer science, but couldn’t you take one of those AP’s next year and the other your senior year?
Physics I don’t think correlates with CS/software, so I don’t think it matters whether you take it or not. Unless you’re considering doing hardware your freshman year of college, just do what you enjoy doing (i.e. chem)!
I think that this is a personal choice. Physics is more mathematical than chemistry. How much do you like math? Since you already like chemistry if you are so-so on math then it is a no brainer (stick with chemistry). If you also like math, then you will probably like physics also.
“I don’t really see the need for either in computer science,…”
That is my impression also. However, I do see value at this point (and through undergraduate university) to have some exposure to a variety of sciences.
I’ll say this. Although physics is traditionally math-heavy, Physics 1 is very conceptual…do not do it thinking there’ll be a lot of math. Last year, no FRQ required the use of math on the Physics 1 exam.