<p>Well, I have my official schedule now, but I still could make changes.
Senior Year
AP Physics B
AP English Literature
AP European History
AP Biology
AP Government</p>
<p>The issue is about switching AP Euro with AP Calculus because they are both offered in the same period. I really LOVE history, I just have this thing for history. In the American Pageant, I would read the chapters 4 times and there was one time I read 2 chapters 6 times. I need Calculus because I want to be a Physicist, (my community college is offering Calculus I), but the class is full now. Meaning I'll have to be in the wait list, which actually never guarantees an entrance. Oh and another questions, would switching from AP Literature to Honors(considering I got a B in AP English Language Junior year) look bad to top universities (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT). I passed the exam for AP English Language, but the Valedictorian for the class of 2010 recommended in taking Honors because she told me that the teacher graded harder than she should be grading (she got an A, so her opinion is kinda valid). There were only a few times where a person received a 6.
Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thank You.</p>
<p>If you want to be a physicist, you have to take calculus. That being said though, I would highly suggest giving up AP Physics B and trying to take AP physics C instead (Physics B is the designated “non-physicist/engineer” class and will most likely not get you physics credit if you want to major in it). If you really wanted to, you could self-study European history. Who knows, maybe your schedule will work out then. Regardless, AP Physics C and AP Calculus BC are the two classes you absolutely must have if you want to gain admission to a prestigious college as a physics major. If you really, really can’t take AP physics C, at least take calculus, so that you can immediately start your physics major courses in college.</p>
<p>Chances are the OP will want to start the physics courses in college anyway, so the physics B is fine, IMO. High school physics teachers are generally not terrific unless you are lucky.</p>
<p>I agree about the calculus because you do want the best background possible there. You could also get a little rusty with no math for a year.</p>
<p>You might want to take a look around at colleges that you might be interested in attending. At my daughter’s school, a five on the AP comp OR the APLit got all the English credit allowed. My daughter said that she wished she had taken a fun Engish elective instead of AP Lit.</p>
<p>BindersOpen, there is not AP Physics C at my school. Luckily there is AP Physics B at my school because I was the one that was chasing students interested in physics to sign the sign up sheet with their ID numbers (meaning this is the first year AP Physics B will be offered). Oh, do you think Calculus at my community college will be fine.</p>
<p>I see. In that case, if you can somehow get into calculus at community college, that would be good, but you still want to take the BC test, so that you can get college credit. If community college doesn’t work, then yes, I would take calculus over European history. If the calculus offered at your school is only AB, I would self-study the extra BC topics and take the BC test.</p>
<p>Just curious, BindersOpen, why is it that you think it is necessary to self study BC? Many HSs across the country do not offer the second level of calc; many don’t offer any AP. Colleges and universities will offer whatever level of calc a student needs. Self-studying something like calculus makes no sense to me when you can take it with a fine professor once you start college and get the foundation that the college you are attending wants, not what you or some HS teacher thinks you might need for the physics and advanced math classes you will take later. Why do you think it is necessary?</p>
<p>Well, in his case:</p>
<ol>
<li>By taking the AP test, it is much easier for the OP to get credit at college.</li>
<li>IIRC, it is an expectation that aspiring physics majors have taken calculus in high school (perhaps engineers as well). Some colleges (e. g. Olin) explicitly require it.</li>
<li>If he learns single-variable calculus now, he can immediately start the calculus-based introductory physics class usually required for physics majors once in college.</li>
<li>What other math would he take? He needs to take a math senior year; an aspiring physics major who takes no math the last year of high school, especially without finishing calculus, will probably not be admitted to a prestigious university.</li>
<li>It should not be too hard to self-study the BC material anyway; it is just a minor addition to AB.</li>
</ol>
<p>Oh my god, take calculus in college. If you love history, you should take Euro. I’m sure the physics department at your college won’t kill you.
OR alternate solution, take Euro in college. It will likely be a more in-depth course and you’ll get to do more with the material than you would in AP.
You seem to have fallen prey to the illusion that you have to get everything done in high school and it’s just not true. Colleges want you to succeed. You can relax. :)</p>
<p>no, take calc now. do self study for euro because you love history so much</p>
<p>Made changes to my schedule. Taking AP Calculus AB instead of AP European History.With your insights and my friends opinions I was able to decide. Anyways, AP European History will be easier to self study because to self study a math class is kinda time consuming. I think I made the best decision considering I want to major in Physics with focus on Astronomy (that’s why I’m taking Astronomy at my community college as long with Intro to Psychology (just for fun, love to learn)).</p>