I’m currently a junior taking AP Physics I. I’ve already taken Earth and Environmental Science and Biology, but my counselor keeps telling me to take Chemistry before I graduate. I feel like it would be a waste of time because it doesn’t specifically interest me and it doesn’t pertain to my intended major (political science). Should I take chemistry or ap physics II during senior year?
I think most colleges would expect you to take chemistry. Its not like physics relates to political science either, so you may as well take chem.
Usually, I’ve heard it’s recommended to have 1 year of each of the core sciences (biology, chemistry, physics). But, if you aren’t planning on going into a science field, you’ll probably be ok not doing it.
You’re treating a college major like a vocational trade-- like you’re learning to repair air conditioners.
A college education is about obtaining a well-rounded body of knowledge. In politics, it’s valuable to have a rudimentary understanding of the issues you may be advocating/opposing (e.g., ground water legislation, drug safety, global warming, etc). We’re talking basic Chemistry, here, not PhD level stuff.
Suck it up.
Haha well said @PrimeMeridian
@PrimeMeridian Should I still take it even if it’ll take a major hit to my GPA and class rank?
Coming from a fellow highschooler, so take this with a grain of salt:
Pre-college chemistry shouldn’t be so bad. If you want help, there are many resources- Crash Course, Khan Academy, MIT OCW, Chemtutor, your textbook, outside tutors, and your teacher to name only a few. You seem to not have taken a chemistry class before. I don’t understand how you could know it would tank your GPA and/or class rank if you’ve fared well enough in other science classes to be worrying about GPA/rank.
Furthermore, pre-college chem could be a high school diploma requirement in your state.
Not to mention, many colleges will have pre-reqs for graduation. Science credits are typically one of them. For that exact reason, you may end up having to take college chemistry.
Plus, echoing @PrimeMeridian , I wouldn’t knowingly vote for anybody completely without chemistry experience. Basic fluency in science is something many would consider important for making large-scale decisions, and mistakes from such a fundamental lack might become scandals in their own right.
If you are interested in Physics 2, it sounds like you will be in a STEM major in college. Engineers, for example, have to take Chemistry. I would take at least Honors Chemistry if you can.