Four years of science -- Necessary?

Applying to College
1

<p>Quick question... how necessary is it to take four years of science? </p>

<p>When creating my senior schedule a few months ago, a few teachers and deans responded in somewhat of an uncomfortable way with, "Oh... you're not taking a 4th science?" Almost as if that will kill me when applying for colleges. I was shocked at how adament all of them were about it. </p>

<p>In 9th grade I took Honors Biology, in 10th Honors Chemistry, 11th Honors Physics. There are other science courses offered at my school, but HP is the highest. </p>

<p>Additionally, is it really going to matter, seeing how I took the equivalent of 5 years of math? </p>

<p>What do they look at for this? </p>

<p>PS -- majoring in music, not math or science.</p>

2

<p>As a music major, it probably won't hurt not taking a 4th year of science classes especially if you apply to music minded LACs like Oberlin and etc.</p>

<p>Don't take a science class senior year if you're not going to like it or have fun. I wish I didn't take AP Physics C, that was a fiasco.</p>

3

<p>Just visited Stanford webpage, they recommend 3 years of science (biology, chemistry, and physics).</p>

4

<p>I think you'll be fine with the 3 yrs, from what I've seen most schools recommend 3yrs</p>

5

<p>you're fine I think. . . as long as you take maybe other challenging courses/music elective (as in don't just blow off senior year) I think that's good. </p>

<p>Don't you hate how college-minded teachers give you that horrible response that makes you feel like an idiot? I know exactly how you feel. </p>

<p>But. . . .yeah. Idiotic teachers aside, I'm sure you are good, especially if you've already maxed out at your school.</p>

6

<p>I thought colleges recommended at least one class with a lab period? Maybe? Not sure. AP Biology and AP Chemistry come to mind.</p>

<p>If you've exhausted all the science courses in your school, however...then that's really good and you wouldn't have to worry about it. Colleges will look at your school's course selection and will favorably look upon that. You said HP was the highest science course, does HP = Honors Physics? Does your school have AP offerings in science (AP Bio, AP Chem, AP Physics, AP Environmental Science)?</p>

<p>I think you still should take a science though...I mean once you're in college majoring in music, of course the question of taking a science course wouldn't bother you much at all, but...well, I don't know, IMO 4 years of science is the safe way to go.</p>

7

<p>Yes, HP = Honors Physics. The school also offers environmental science, anatomy and physiology, and marine science; all of which are lower level classes, usually filled with underachieving underclassmen. Additionally, my school no longer offers ANY AP science courses, though a few years ago (when I was a wee honors bio student) AP Chem and AP Physics were offered. </p>

<p>As far as rigorous course selection, here is what I have taken and what I will take. </p>

<p>(First of all, I have an 8th grade gifted Algebra I credit that transfered over to high school). </p>

<p>9th: Honors Geometry, Honors Biology, Eng I Hon, German I, IC3 (computers), jazz band, and one semester of concert band, one semester of wind ensemble</p>

<p>10th: Algebra II Honors, Honors Chemistry, Eng II Hon, German II, AP World History, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble</p>

<p>11th: Pre-Calculus Honors, Honors Physics, AP English Lang, US History Honors, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz II </p>

<p><strong>Summer '06 through Florida Virtual School: Personal Fitness, Life Management Skills, and Honors Economics</strong></p>

<p>12th: AP Calculus, Duel En Comp I/Comp II, DE Govt/Intl Relations, AP Music Theory, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz II or Percussion techniques</p>

<p>I've obviously taken a lot of time for music, but I feel that need to do so.</p>

8

<p>I think that as long as you've taken all 3 main branches of science (Chem/Bio/Physics) it won't hurt you as a music major applying to LACs.</p>

9

<p>Haven't quite figured out the acronym... LAC?</p>

10

<p>Oh wait, liberal arts colleges maybe? </p>

<p>I am applying for FSU, UCF, and USF.</p>

11

<p>yes, LAC = liberal arts college.</p>

<p>In addition to your list, you should look into LACs as well. There's a forum here on CC that has a list of the top LACs that each have their own individual forum. Check it out if you're interested.</p>

12

<p>i dont think it would hurt taking a 4th one. I took 5 years of science. global science(rediculously stupid class), bio,chem,physics,and physiology. I took the two P's my sr year. It helps considering im doing biochemistry.</p>