Hi,
I’m aiming to go to super selective colleges, but I know I want nothing to do with math or science for my major or career; I plan on applying as an international relations or economics (in an Arts school) major. I took math freshman year, doubled up on math sophomore year (Honors Precalc/Trig and AP Stats) and took AP Calc BC this year, so I’ve technically done 4 years of math. In science, I took Honors Bio, Honors Chem, and AP Physics 1 this year.
I am taking all APs next year, and have one slot to fill. If I need to take another math or science course, I will take AP Comp Sci, but I really want to start taking Spanish next year and add another language in addition to French. Will it look like I’m slacking off? Is it bad to drop two core subjects in the same year, particularly since colleges emphasize STEM so much?
For super selectives, I’d take 4 years of science just in case.
You should be fine for math with completion of calculus in terms of college admissions. However, majoring in economics typically requires calculus, and some colleges’ economics majors require additional advanced math such as multivariable calculus (and if you want to go on to PhD study in economics, more math and statistics like theoretical linear algebra, real analysis, and calculus-based probability theory are expected).
For science, you do have the three core sciences biology, chemistry, and physics. You may want to check each college of interest to see if it wants more beyond that.
But note that high school Spanish 1 may only get 0-1 semester advanced placement in college Spanish courses.
You effectively have four years of math, but not of science. Take AP Env. Sci, or AP comp sci, or AP Chem, Earth Science, or some other science. Top colleges like four years of science.