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<p>It can be a big advantage if you plan to major in a STEM field, because Calc 1-2-3 plus linear algebra is a sequence bottleneck. Having these classes already under your belt opens up more advanced classes earlier and makes it more likely that you will eventually be able to take multiple upper-level specialty classes with multiple layers of prerequisites – having at least two shots at each of these classes is very helpful due to the eternal practical problem of scheduling conflicts.</p>
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<p>Most top schools will have an advanced alternative physics sequence that presumes Physics AP scores of 4 or 5 and which covers the same material at a higher level – essentially, the hardest problems on the AP test become the easiest problems in class. I concur that it’s best to take this alternate sequence rather than skipping it, at least for potential physics majors.</p>