I have been taking very rigorous classes throughout my high school career by taking the best classes possible. The problem is I didn’t think ahead and really don’t have any classes left to take. In grade 11 I took AP Calculus AB, and am currently first in class (as background) I’m planning on being an Economics major. In my empty slot is it smarter for me to take AP calculus BC as a year long course (even though I have already taken AB) or Honors Physics? I worry about only having 3 AP’s this year (if I don’t take BC) as I am planning on applying to the top schools (Columbia, Georgetown and UCLA are my top three). Please help I’m lost.
You should take physics if the only reason you want to take BC is to boost your AP numbers. That’s not a good reason to take any course. That’s called application padding and it’s not something that you should be a part of.
I feel both the courses provide me with the same education. My concern is taking an entire year of Calculus BC after already taking a year of AB. I honestly have no interest in Physics but it is the only course I haven’t yet taken that my school offers and it would be better than retaking Calculus if that’s what BC would be for me.
Lots of students take BC for a year after taking AB because that is what their school offers. I did exactly that.
I didn’t know that was a bad thing. At my school, MOST Calculus BC students took AB the year before.
Agreed, it’s typical to take BC after AB. Your colleges won’t look down on it, and you may as well keep your calc skills up if you plan to major in Econ.
Both statistics and calc BC are useful for econ. You will need to take more math, so it is good not to have a break.