I’d greatly appreciate some opinions on this…course selection time has rolled around at my school, and I’m in a dilemma about what I should and shouldn’t take senior year.
I plan on majoring in either Pre-Law, Political Science, or Journalism in college. My strongest subject is English, and I am not particularly gifted at or fond of math…in any way, shape, or form.
So my question is this: I am currently taking Pre-Calc as a junior, but I have fulfilled my school’s math requirements. Should I delve into the realm of AP Calc next year, at the risk of getting a bad grade, or focus on things like AP Lit and Philosophy and other English/History courses, which cater to my interests and my possible majors?
It seems all students on this board who are applying to selective schools are taking Pre-Calc, and perhaps I should join them.
Also, because I’ve been to 3 different high schools with different curriculums and programs, I’ve never taken Physics. Next year, should I take AP Biology 2, which I know I would do well in, or take the AP Physics course?
My counselor is unreliable, so I’m counting on you guys…
Thanks for your time. Your responses are greatly appreciated.
<p>My advice is to do what you enjoy. There's really no reason to take AP Calc if you don't need it and/or enjoy it. AP bio would probably be fine, also, because it's still an AP science.</p>
<p>I really hate advising to take a class just for a college resume, and usually I wouldn't do it but in this case, I would say yes, take AP Calculus next year, colleges want to see you're working hard in all your subjects senior year. Also, you might be able to place out of math in college completely. Since you're obviously not too into math, just take AB isntead of BC.</p>
<p>Physics is very important to know, so absolutely take the AP Physics course, besides it's a lot more interesting than AP Bio. And Physics (B at least) really isnt' that hard.</p>
<p>Would you rather learn calculus in a room full of 20-30 people that you at least remotely know, or would you like to learn it in a 500 person lecture class from some TA that cannot speak or read English.</p>
<p>You'll have to take it either way, I'd take it in high school</p>
<p>well, kb54010, i dont think he/she will have to even take calculus if he/she is planning on political science or journalism (btw, there's no major called pre-law). if anything, s/he should be taking AP statistics, as that is usually a requirement for political science and some other social science majors. if it came down between calc and ap english or history, i'd choose the english or history. just the extra challenge of having to write at a higher level will do much more to prepare you for college writing, and thus would better serve your interests. i found my junior and senior year AP/IB history and english classes to be the most beneficial to me, especially focusing on essay writing. </p>
<p>as for the AP bio vs AP physics, take what you want to take. perhaps your AP bio score may place you out of a science GE requirement. or perhaps the background you get in AP bio will help you when you take a college science GE class. i'm polysci myself, and i havent and dont think ill ever touch physics. also take the one you think youll do better in, as you'd want something manageable during the hectic senior year. as long as you have an AP science here, then that should cover up for your lack of AP calc (if you dont take AP stats or your school doesnt offer it).</p>
<p>also, if the college asks you for a midyear report, youll want to show that you did well in the AP classes that you're taking (which are the ones that you're better at).</p>
<p>That is possible. It all depends on what type of school she is going to. I'm headed towards an Ivy, so I couldn't dream of not taking calc. But for other schools, the requirements might be less stringent( I tried to say that without being too pompous). I would check with your schools. If they have a really big math GE requirement, take calc now. If you can get away without taking it in college, take what you please.</p>
<p>During our college tours with d#1, the Admissions Officer at William and Mary stated that she liked to see Physics and Calculus on the students transcript. She knows a lot of kids take Statistics and AP Psych to meet math and science HS requirements, but she considered the physics and calc. combo as more challenging. Though my daughter tried to avoid physics, she did decide to take it in 12th grade (and took AP Bio in 11th) based on what she heard at Wm. & Mary. I believe that if you are going to apply to competitive schools, you should take the calc. and physics. Good luck.</p>
<p>Thanks a million, to all of you who responded. It seems some compromises will have to be made. I think I have a shot at getting into a selective school, and if AP Calc will help me accomplish this, then I will put myself through it. The same goes for physics. I still have some time to think things over, and I will. </p>
<p>I just wish there was more room on my schedule to take other things as well, things that I might enjoy. </p>
<p>Thanks again.</p>
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<li>Btw, kfc42, i'm a she, hence the Damsel in distress, lol.</li>
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