AP Physics C vs. AP Chemistry: does it matter for me?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

I’m a junior taking AP Biology this year, and I’m considering what science course to take next year. I am signed up to take AP Physics C right now because that’s kind of the natural path that people usually take, but I’m reconsidering and thinking about taking AP Chemistry instead. The reason is because I love biology, I’m a total bio nerd, and I’m definitely emphasizing the bio/medical area as a interest of mine when I apply to colleges. Chem is kind of essential to biology, so I feel like AP Chem would be more in line with my interests. However, maybe AP Physics C would help me get some physics foundations out of the way so that I can focus less on physics in college.

What class would colleges prefer me to take in this situation? Do you think it even matters at all? Will this actually make a difference in my application, since both courses are equally rigorous?

2

It depends on what classes you have taken in the past. Throughout high school, you should at least take one class in biology, chemistry, and physics. You definitely should take whatever one you haven’t taken. However, if you’ve taken both, I would reccomend chem. If you haven’t taken any physics before, would it be possible to take a lower one (AP Physics 1 maybe?)

3

if you are doing a bio/premed/medical field, then just take AP Chem. In college, you just have to take a basic physics level class (the one with less applications and no calculus).