I’m currently a 10th grader in high school taking honors chemistry. I’m struggling with it because I’m behind with my math, but ahead in science and chem is a heavily math based science so I’m not quite understanding much. I’m pretty sure physics is like that too and I don’t want to ruin my GPA. Is physics a class you should take to become a vet? (Cornell is my dream school)
You will need two semesters of physics in college. Exposure to physics in high school will only help you.
If you are shooting for a school like Cornell, they will want to see you taking the most rigorous courses available at your school.
I feel like by taking physics I will be risking my high GPA though?
Cornell recommends bio, chem, and physics for their applicants. You may want to do some research on Cornell’s website on what is recommended for admission and what classes you will need as an undergrad.
You can take AP chem or AP Bio junior year and AP physics 1 see enior year once you have the math down. 
My son is pre vet and glad he took physics. It helped. Wait til your Sr year to take it. Despite what people say it doesn’t have to be the AP class.
Veterinary school admission is typically gained after spending 3-4 years in college working towards a bachelor degree. The required courses listed for veterinary schools are college level requirements. I know I was completely confused about the process of vet admission early on.
Basic timeline:
Graduate high school
Attend affordable school for undergrad and complete 60ish required credits
Apply to vet school summer of sophomore/jr year
As far as your question, most vet schools require a 2 course sequence in physics to be taken in college.
Requirements vary from university to university. I know Auburn University, the flagship veterinary medicine college for Kentucky students, requires their students to have one semester of calculus along with a semester of physics. They also require several biology classes and chemistry through second semester organic chemistry. Most people choose to major in biology with a minor in chemistry in order to fufill them. Please consult with Cornell University and any other places you may be interested in to determine the appropriate classes. Also note veterinarians don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree to be admitted to veterinary school. If you can fufill all the necessary courses before your junior year, try applying then, but don’t leave your bachelor’s program unless you know for sure you’ve been accepted. It may take several tries to be admitted as well. In fact, the acceptance rate for veterinary medicine is lower than other medical schools. Don’t be discouraged though as many successful veterinarians today had to apply multiple times before finally being allowed in. Hard work and dedication are key, but if you can demonstrate the work ethic and compassion for animal healthcare, then you will certainly succeed in achieving your goal.
In short, yes all of those science classes are important. The whole premise of knowing physics, bio, chem, biochem, etc is so that you have a solid science background. Getting a good mastery now will help you, especially since you will be seeing those classes again in undergrad. And in order to get into vet school, you will need to have good grades.
Once in vet school, those fundamental science concepts will start to interconnect as you start to understand more physiology. Clinically, those concepts will come into play as you medically or surgically treat a patient.
As a 10th grader, you have yet to start high level education. Don’t limit yourself already by discounting certain subjects. You want to keep as many doors open as possible so that you have the opportunity to pursue what you want.
I am in 11th grade as of now, I am also interested in veterinary medicine so I took Chemistry Honors last year and it was also a challenge for me, but I am very glad I took it. Physics has been the same, by taking a more challenging class you will find that you are capeable of much more than you think. Do not undersell yourself, if you are willing to work hard you can for sure get an A in physics if you decide to take it. I am in General Physics right now, and so far it has actually been much easier than Chemistry Honors. From what I have heard, getting a B in a more advanced class looks better than getting an A in a not as advanced class because schools will see that you are willing to challenge yourself. You should go for it! Even if you do not like it, it is good to experiment with new subjects.
https://www.aavmc.org/assets/site_18/files/vmcas/prereqchart.pdf
This is a chart of prerequisites for all vet schools!
Great link! Interesting how many schools require public speaking! I wouldn’t have thought of that.
Most require public speaking because vets have to present the items to their clients in a clear manner and to do this public speaking is a good skill to have. The chart does not always have the very latest prerequisites (even though it should from the AAVMC). They say to use it as a guideline but always check the school’s website for the latest and for constraints (can’t be taken on-line, must be taken at a 4 year college, labs must not be online, can’t be taken over so many years ago, etc.).