So I’m trying to decide what classes to take my senior year at I can’t decide what science classes to take. I’m want to major in Mechanical Engineering at either GT, MIT, or Harvard.
So far I’ve taken these science classes:
Magnet Biology
Magnet Chemistry
(My school requires these two classes are taken Freshmen year, they are basically honors classes with a special name lol)
AP Physics 1
AP Physics 2
AP Physics C Mech
As you all can probably see Physics is my favorite science. But do I need an AP Chem to be competitive for my majors?
You don’t have to, but here is why you should. Chem is a notorious weed out class. It turns a lot of MechE and pre med students into <“easy”> major students. The first semester at GT has chem. I wouldn’t want to walk into that class without HS AP Chem. Even better, if you get a 5 on the AP test you don’t have to take it because you have AP credit for that class.
Also, don’t fall too much in love with those schools. They are reaches for everyone. Continue exploring match and safety schools.
Agreed with Eeyore above. Taking AP chem might be a big help to you because college chemistry is much more difficult than high school chemistry, especially if you haven’t taken AP. AP chem is basically first semester gen chem (at least at my university), so they cover in a year what colleges cover in one semester. Having seen the material will gvie you a big advantage and may allow you to focus a little bit more on some of your other classes.
Good for you, though, for having taken so much physics!! I feel like I spend a lot of time on this site trying convince high school kids that physics is important to take in high school.
Your peers applying to tippy tops will have AP in all 3 sciences in many ,if not most cases. I would think you would find chem easy enough. Just do it because you are going to have chem in your freshman year of college.
Many applicants may have all 3 core AP sciences, but most will not. Although I would agree that for the OP’s career objectives that it is better to get chem out of the way in HS, if possible. But there is not expectation from any of these colleges that AP Chem is needed to be a competitive applicant.
Agree that AP chemistry is not required, but earning a high AP score and not having to take a chemistry course in college with hundreds of premeds is a desirable thing.
When speaking of Harvard, MIT, or other tippy tops- and a stem major- better safe than sorry. Wanting a stem major is what changes some expectations. Take the rigorous chem. It’s not enough to load up on physics.