I’m in the 8th grade, and I know I got a while to go, but I wanted to start planning now. I’m going into Software Engineering and want to major in Computer Science. I can take Adv. Physical Science in 10th grade, but then will have to take Chemistry in Senior Year. I could take Chemistry in 10th grade, as that is the more advanced class in 10th grade, but I won’t be able to take Physical Science at all. Does it matter what I do first?
Does your high school not have AP Chemistry or AP Physics for upperclassmen? In that case, there is no need to take a lower-level class for the subject (as long as there are no prerequisites).
Physical Science, to my understanding, is generally a mix of physics and chemistry, and may serve to fulfill more prerequisites; Chemistry would just focus on itself, which I’m assuming is what makes it more “advanced.” However, is there an Honors/Advanced label on the Chemistry course? Colleges, which may not know much about your school’s system, may assume you took the less challenging class.
Before you ask people on the internet, however, I’d advise you to research into your high school’s scheduling system a little more.
Yes, I totally agree with the above. Physical science is normally taught in schools to help give you an understanding going into chemistry and physics. Normally 1/2 the class is physics and the other 1/2 is chemistry. So you learn how to measure things, balancing chemical equations, periodic table, laws, etc. However, I would talk to your GC about it.
or may serve to fulfill fewer. Talk to your GC, but IMO, a year of chem and a year of physics outweighs a year of physical science. Now, if your school establishes that physical science is a prereq for other courses, then the thinking would change.