are 4 years of Science enough for Harvard

Hi, I’m just wondering if taking Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and AP Bio Senior year would be enough for Harvard. Or, do I need to also take AP Chem and AP Physics?

https://college.harvard.edu/guides/preparing-college

So, taking not taking AP Chem or AP Physics won’t hurt me?

Depends whether you’re applying as a liberal arts kids interested in comp lit and classics, or if you’re applying as a math/science kid.

I’m a History Major.

Even as a Math/Science kid, taking all three sciences plus an AP is fine.

“ The study of science for four years: physics, chemistry, and biology, and preferably one of these at an advanced level”

“ A well-rounded education”

Of course, the fierce competition will affect your chances. I hope you had already seen the info on what courses H recommends. Take a step back and make sure you understand all that matters, not just minimums.

I have seen the info. I’ve also read that most of your course schedule should be based on your major, along with a challenging course or 2 in subjects outside of your comfort zone.

Is it true that most of the AP’s that you take should be related to your major, but also taking at least one challenging course in all 4 course areas including Foreign Language?

You should have AP’s balanced across all (or most) core subjects. So you can have several histories, but also need math, science, etc. And no, nobody needs more than 4 years of science for Harvard. There is no expectation that any applicant take all APs offered.

Thank you for the Advice! I will definitely take AP’s in My other classes. I was just worried that I would need to sacrifice AP German for AP Chem or AP Physics.

As long as you have bio, chem, and physics, plus one at an advanced level, you’ve met their recommendations. If AP German is 4th year German at your school, you need that; if it’s fifth year, then it’s your option.

Where did you hear “most of your course schedule should be based on your major?” The college doesn’t say that. In fact, being unilateral is a risk.

What IS needed is sufficient rigor and challenge in that arena to show a high level of prep and readiness. But also, as ski points out, rigor in other core areas. That’s not collecting APs just to show some high number of them.

Kids really need to check their sources. Best is what the college says and shows, before other (possibly dubious) ideas. Otherwise, you’re missing key components of what the college wants, what makes you a contender, and how to present best. And it’s not just the classes taken. This applies to ECs, as well. Depth and breadth.

Taking a more advanced level of German may be helpful as a history major if you are interested in German or general European history, or some other topics like history of science.

Should I double up on Math and Science Classes?

Frankly, we don’t know enough about your background. You have one thread, no mention of your courses, grades, scores, activities, and all the rest that matters to make you competitive for a college with a miniscule admit rate.

And when a kid is looking at Harvard, or any other tippy top, there is an expectation he or she is already building a record as a top candidate, understands what that means, and starting before mid-junior year. The competition from kids who can do this is fierce. This really doesn’t boil down to an abstract question about doubling up. Every bit of your application will matter.

Re-read the link in post one. Nowhere does it say that Harvard (or any other college) expects/wants you to double up on anything. Whether you choose to do so is limited, in part, to course offerings and graduation requirements. Whether you get into any school will not be determined by whether or not you doubled up in a subject. But as a potential history major, I see no need to double up in math and/or science. If you were able to double up, it would make more sense to do so in history/social sciences.

I hate to be that person, but I’d say demonstrated leadership and innovation should be your priority. Admission at any school like Harvard is about a lot more than the classes you take. National (and beyond) recognition and awards are the standards for admitted students.

Not only should you not be that person, the OP should be wary of advice given from a HS senior. In my first-hand experience, Harvard students - even the unhooked ones - did not have “national (and beyond) recognition and awards” in HS.

The point that there is a lot more that AOs consider other than coursework is very valid, though.

Very true.

Very false.