So, im picking classes for next year, my junior year, and I was wondering if someone could help me. AP physics 2 is offered in my school during sophomore year, after taking regular physics in freshmen year. I didn’t take it in my sophomore year which is something I have really regretted. I don’t plan on doing anything with physics but I know it looks good for colleges. I basically have two options for my junior year, I can take AP stats or AP physics 2. It might be a little awkward taking AP physics seeing as I’d be the only junior in the class. AP stats is something I’m genuinely interested in but I feel like colleges would be more impressed with AP physics as opposed to AP stats. I know AP stats is considered a relatively AP class. So… does anyone have any advice for what I should take a ?
AP Statistics because it is of interest to you.
The thing I’m worried about is that if I don’t take AP physics, I will not have taken any AP science classes and I’m not sure that’d help me getting into a good college.
Then take AP Physics so you can stop worrying.
You need to take biology, chemistry, and physics at any level (regular, honors, or AP). Have you got one year of each?
What math are you currently taking?
Whet majors and colleges are you hoping for?
If you don’t take AP Physics wouldn’t you still need to replace it with a science not a math class?
Many colleges are expecting 3 lab science classes so unless you doubled up on science already I would go with a science class. The more selective the college you may want 4 science classes even if fewer are needed for high school graduation
AP stat is one of the easiest AP classes/exams. AP physics is way more difficult. It depends on the teacher too. If you did really well in your physics class, then go for it but if you don’t do well covering material on your own (the class/teacher goes fast/not enough time to teach so you have to do a lot of work at home), then choose something else
It’s hard for anyone to answer your question without knowing all the classes you are planning to take, and what you have already taken, as well as the level of selectivity of colleges you plan to attend. Its the balance and progression of classes that is important. You don’t want it to be scattershot.
If you haven’t already taken bio and chemistry, you would need to take one of these next year or senior year. If your course load is already very difficult and you have already taken (or will be taking) biology and chemistry, you might consider taking statistics, especially if you will be concurrently taking Algebra 2 or pre-calc (or have taken these) and feel you can handle two math classes concurrently.
Generally, selective colleges like to see four year of math (ideally through calc or at least pre-calc…stats is an interesting and useful class but not essential); four years of science…bio, chem, physics and one AP of your choice; four years of English (AP Lang and/or Lit are great to take when available); four years of History/social studies (including US and World or European History) and four years (at least three) of foreign language, and some schools like to see an arts course. Add in any additional high school requirement such as health or PE, it doesn’t leave much wiggle room for electives!
- have you taken Bio or Chem? Take them before Physics 2
- What math courses have you taken? You want to take Algebra/Geometry/Alg 2/Precalc/Calc if possible before taking AP Stats
If you have taken all of those, then take what ever is of interest.