I’m in a bit of a conundrum. I’m trying to select my science for this upcoming trimester, but I’m torn between AP Physics C E/M and astronomy. I want to take astronomy next term and take the astronomy research course the following trimester. However, many people have advised that I continue on with AP Physics C and take E/M (I’m currently taking Mechanics C). I’ve spoken to my physics teacher and she said that it’s better for me to take E/M to have a well-rounded Physics education (which I think is important), but I can take E/M in college (where it won’t be as fast paced tbh) if need be. Others have stated that colleges will see it as a drop in rigor if I take astronomy (valid, but I’m looking at schools with ~~30-50% undergrad acceptance rates cause I’m interested in direct-med programs)
I’m a high school junior, by the way. In college, I will not be majoring in anything physics-heavy.
We need to put this in context. You go to one of the top high schools in the country. Your college counselor will be able to tell you if this will impact the rigor rating. If you had a year if physics prior, you don’t need E&M, and the class is usually populated by those intending to study physics or engineering in college. Also note that almost all med schools do not accept AP science credits as fulfilling prereqs, so you would end up retaking in college anyway.
That said, as a junior, you can always take E&M this year and astronomy next year.
FWIW, I took the astronomy/astronomy research combo in HS, and they were among my favorite classes. The fact that the school has an observatory us unique, and it would be great to be able to take advantage of it
The more that I think about it, the more I realize that I just don’t want to take E/M at PA. I don’t see much reason to continue on with calc-based physics in high school if I’ll end up retaking algebra-based physics in college. I’d rather take the astronomy courses this year, then take accelerated chemistry and other science electives my senior year.
If you do well in the AP Physics (on AP tests), why would you take into physics again?
On the one hand, it is good to look at your own interests…but on the other hand you should consider
When you say a “direct-med programs”, do you mean a BS/MD type program? The college as a whole may have a 35% acceptance rate, that doesn’t mean the BS/MD does…you should consider how you compare to the other BS/MD applicants.
Make sure you have taken AP Bio and AP Chem but at least Honors Physics.
Because many med schools don’t accept AP sciences as fulfilling prerequisites. So the options are retaking in college or taking higher level courses. And few pre-meds would want to take waves and quantum mechanics - typically the next 2 courses in the sequence.