<p>I realize that AP Physics B or C is highly recommended... however... the class at my school is not very strong and my 9th grade physics teacher suggested that I wait until college to take it, recognizing my passion for physics. He felt that it would not be a good match for me to take it at my high school.</p>
<p>Caltech is at the top of my list for colleges and the rest of my application will be strong, I'm just wondering how it would be perceived if I did not take AP Physics.</p>
<p>There are distance learning and/or college summer classes that you can take. I recommend just doing that.</p>
<p>Most people take some kind of honors physics (without calculus) in high school first, so you should probably do that before the calc-based kind.</p>
<p>Many students also do well at the local community college. The top schools are going to expect that you’ve had physics, and “my class isn’t good enough” probably isn’t a valid reason not to take it. Good luck!</p>
<p>^I asked the Caltech admissions office about self-studying physics, and they replied that they would prefer that I take the AP physics class at my school. So self-studying may not be the best use of your time admissions-wise.</p>
<p>(Regardless, I self-studied Physics B last year and am self-studying Physics C this year. But I’m still thinking about taking a physics class at my local community college, which has a reputation of being pretty intense; the Physics C class at my school only covers Mechanics in one year, which is unfortunate.)</p>
But I’m still thinking about taking a physics class at my local community college, which has a reputation of being pretty intense; the Physics C class at my school only covers Mechanics in one year, which is unfortunate.)</p>