<p>Hi, everyone.
I'm a senior considering applying to Caltech. I planned to take AP physics C online this year, but I applied a hair too late so the class is full and I can't get in. The only other AP class I'm taking is AP CS and I don't have any other science course. My question is: will not having a science class in my senior year really hurt my chance of getting into Caltech? (What kind of scientist are you if you don't even have a science class?!) Thanks.</p>
<p>Here is a free online AP Physics. I dont know how good it is, but if you are self motivated, I am sure you will do well.
<a href="http://www.ucopenaccess.org/%5B/url%5D">http://www.ucopenaccess.org/</a></p>
<p>I don't know how much it hurt you, because they consider the hardest coursload offered at your HS. What other classes are you taking?
You could try to ind. study it if you really want to, if you feel confident in doing so. If not, don't sweat it; there's nothing you can do (you're taking AP CS anyway).
My HS didn't even offer AP Physics (not even honors); i took general Physics 1 and still got in.</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>I'm taking Calculus class at a college near by, but that's about it. My school doesn't offer AP physics. Or it actually does, but just not enough people sigh up this year.
Another question just hit me. Will colleges know that my school doesn't offer AP physics (and other classes that were offered but didn't have enough people sign up) ?? Because it <em>IS</em> in our course description guide. Technically it is offered...</p>
<p>They don't have time to look at every single school profile, so they mostly rely on what your counselor checks. If you look at the common app secondary school report, there is a box where they ask
"In comparison with other college preparatory students in your school, the applicants course selection is: most demanding, very demanding, average, less than demanding."</p>
<p>It's actually kind of scary how much power your counselor wields in your admission process, so its a good idea to develop a relationship with him/her. (By the end of my senior year, my counselor and I were pretty good friends.) Talk to them, ask for their guidance, let them know more about yourself, and find common interests (and do all of this sincerely; not just to get a good rec).
This is a bonus way to humanize yourself, since this is such a big part of your app. Lots of kids forget this, and when you're applying to schools as selective as Caltech, people's opinions of you go a long way. </p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>Vanita you can take AP Physics C online starting any month via
Stanfords EPGY program. I self studied starting in December of
my Junior year via EPGY</a> :)</p>
<p>Vanita, I was in the same situation last Fall - our school does not offer Physics C, so the hardest class on my schedule (to me, at least) was CS. Thus, they will not reject you solely on your not having a science class in 12th grade.</p>
<p>A good way, in my opinion, to self-study for Physics C exam is to prepare for USAPhO (the preliminary examination with mechanics, and semi-finals with E&M).
If you advance to second level (semi-finals), it would be a nice addition to your application in case you are waitlisted. Aaaand, you will have had enough practice to do well on the AP exam.</p>
<p>That was the path I've taken, and, while I cannot claim everyone else must do as I say, I had a lot of fun my Senior year, especially with physics (besides, of course, all those college applications and waiting) :)</p>