I have tried and failed at honors chem, honors physics, honors bio.
No, but a more advanced science, in addition to intro bio/chem/physics is generally recommended.
If you failed with an F, then an Ivy is not in your future. If you “failed” with an A-, then your disingenuousness will hurt you.
Failing with in F, wouldn’t recommended an Ivy. However a B or above isn’t to bad. If you plan to major in science , medicine, or engineering if would say am ivy isn’t for you. However if you want to do humanities, or something like journalism where STEM isn’t as involved. I’d say science APs aren’t as necessary. Just remember the humanities kids applying could also be doing well in there’s classes. Ivies have the top pick out of every kid in the world basically. So wouldn’t bet on it.
I took honors bio, chem, and am in physics right now and didn’t get/can’t get higher than a B in any. I really have put effort into studying but all to no avail. I am just under the impression that Ivies expect all A’s in core subjects like science.
And you would be correct in that assumption, unless you can somehow self study for the science APs and then do well or self study for some of the science SAT 2s like the bio, Chem, and physics and do well, that is how you can fix that. That would be my recommendation. I had an overall 93 in honors physics cause my teacher sucked ass but then I got a 780 on the physics sat 2 through self study. If I may ask though what is you intended major? And in the real world what college you go to isn’t going to make or break your job interview it’s how you present yourself so don’t feel down about not going to an ivy.
So if you are going to be an English major, and you have a 3.9 average with 3 b’s in ap science courses, you won’t be at much of a disadvantage. Keep in mind that everyone except hooked kids and true prodigies faces very low odds at ivies.
Very few things are required - your courses most likely meet the minimums at most schools.
But course rigor and grades are some of the most important factors in admission decisions. Lower grades and no science AP would probably put you at a disadvantage to a majority of candidates at top schools, in that specific area. If you are applying to a non-STEM major, you would need to show strength in other areas to net an attractive application.
So as noted, all As in other areas, plus strong test scores, activities, etc., could still net a strong application for many majors at many top schools.
But B’s and no AP would make a tough STEM application at many schools.
At Ivy schools this would be particularly acute. With single and low-double digit acceptance rates, and thousands of strong applicants in all majors, competition is fierce. You’d need to be very strong in other application areas.