Kid has taken Physics honors and deciding between AP Physics C (extremely difficult course) vs AP Music Theory (very difficult as well but interested in) for senior year. How important is it to take AP Physics C for CS major college admissions? Is it risky to take AP Music Theory instead?
for a Computer Science major? Either is fine. Take the Music if that’s where kid’s interest lies. Why take basically the hardest high school course in existence if you aren’t even interested in the topic?
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I think it depends if the colleges they are aiming for have CS in the college of engineering or in science. If it’s housed in CoE, AP physics is going to be super useful.
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Do T20 schools look favorably at AP Physics C due to rigor and relevance compared to AP Music Theory?
IMO, yes. But more importantly it’s good preparation for college physics.
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Since you mentioned T20 schools, yes rigor is very important. APPhysics C is certainly difficult, but a kid who wants T20 &CS should be willing to challenge themselves and work hard to get the A in the hard class, IMO. Agree that with CS in CoE in many schools, that’s another reason to take. Talk to the GC for details on whether the top kids take AP Phys C at your school, which may give you an idea.
Thank you all for helpful responses.
It is also true that colleges like to see you pursue genuine interests. I actually think music theory might be a good choice. If it conflicts in the schedule with AP Physics C the guidance counselor (or you) can explain why you had to choose one or the other and why you chose music theory.
My son did an AP physics class and got a 5 (not Physics C) but once at college, he and most people he knew took it over again. You have taken physics honors. The real question is how much taking AP Physics C would help you with CS. My son majored in CS but never took a class equivalent to AP Physics C.
I find music theory to be a refreshing choice especially if you are involved in music. And if you have talent or achievement in music, make sure to submit a supplement.
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I don’t know what colleges OP’s kid is targeting, AP Physics C isn’t just for schools where CS is in their engineering departments/colleges. At schools like MIT or Caltech, physics is a core requirement (for any major). If the high school offers it (which is the case here) but the student chooses not to take it, it isn’t looked upon favorably (unless there’s some other good reason the student can articulate). As other posters have said, AP Physics C also helps prepare the student for their required physics sequence (MIT gives AP credit for a basic physics course if the student scores 5s in both AP Physics Mechanics and E&M exams, and Caltech gives none regardless of the student’s AP exam scores).
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