<p>And I am choosing classes for next year.
As far as science goes Brown says that they "recommend" that you take biology, chemistry, and physics.
Intro to Bio in 9th grade is mandatory at my school, in 10th grade I took Bio, in 11th I am taking Anatomy and Physiology, and next year I am either taking Genetics and Bioethics or Physics.
My question is: Should I take physics, will Brown really care that much? I am looking to major in Political Science so I feel as if my science classes wouldn't matter a TON.
Thanks everybody :)</p>
<p>In the counselor form that will be sent to Brown, a question will be asked: How rigorous a courseload was taken by this student? Rate 1-10. You want a ten, if at all possible.</p>
<p>Why? Because you’re shooting for Brown where other PoliSci wannabees are acing AP Physics and AP Calc BC.</p>
<p>TAKE. PHYSICS.</p>
<p>I’m sorry, this wording will come off a little strong, but here goes:</p>
<p>Anatomy and Physiology, from an admissions standpoint, isn’t worth it. It looks like a cop-out, an easier class than is possible for your grade–most juniors are taking Honors Physics, most seniors are taking AP Physics. Having at least a rudimentary grasp of all three major branches of science–biology, chemistry, and physics–are essential for a strong application, no matter what your intended major.</p>
<p>I can’t speak to the rigor of your Genetics/Bioethics class, but I do know two things: 1) you should have taken physics this year, not some offshoot-of-bio class (no offense), and 2) you really, really need to take physics next year. You’re already behind as it is. Don’t dig the hole any deeper.</p>
<p>I’m sorry if I’ve been terse or rude, but one of my classmates made a similar mistake when he went through the science track and it cost him dearly in terms of college admissions, and I’d hate to see you do the same.</p>
<p>I will definitely take physics.
And thats so frustrating because my guidance counselor and head of the science department both say that Anatomy and Physiology is the hardest class my school offers. And other than that we only have AP English and APUSH (both of which I will have taken)</p>
<p>^^portia’s not totally right, so don’t worry- if juniors at your school just don’t take physics (at mine you’re not allowed to take physics until senior year, and we don’t offer the AP), then you’re not behind- schools look at what you take in the context of your high school. however, i agree that if you’re going to make this decision mainly around what colleges want to see, you should take physics. if you’re taking the most rigorous courseload available to you, then you’re all set; i mean, no one has an in to brown, but you’re competitive if you make the most of what was there for you.</p>
<p>Jake2012, I’m with you on this one. I take Anatomy right now and it is extremely difficult. It’s really demanding and I put a substantial amount of effort. The class average is around a 67. To hear that “some off-shoot of bio” looks like a way to boost your grade is really disheartening to me.</p>
<p>As long as you’re taking the hardest courseload you’re fine. I’m at an IB school where the HL sciences are two year courses, with an honors course as a prerequisite to those. So plenty of kids at my school don’t manage to fit in all three sciences. Especially if you’re going into poli sci, don’t worry about it. Just make sure your guidance counselor will check off that you took the most rigorous courseload :)</p>
<p>Take physics. (and if you can /want to take the other science course also, then do both. That would be a more “rigorous course load”) but you really do need the triumvirate of the 3 sciences to look like you did the true pre-Ivy course load. And physics may actually be a very helpful course for you in the long run. The use of mathematics to solve real problems is very important in many polisci courses and definitely in econ. Also physics may be more helpful to you if you are still taking SATs, ACTs etc. Just take the highest level you think you can handle of any courses. I know that Brown rarely admits anyone who hasn’t taken calculus, and preferably at the highest level they can. (unless you are from a disadvantaged school, area where not offered or some other mitigating circumstance.)</p>
<p>random question: if your GC rates your courseload on how rigorous it is, do they rate the senior year schedule, or combine all the years??</p>
<p>Take. Physics.</p>
<p>Let me elaborate. Physics is one of the core sciences. Bio Physics Chem. I strongly urge you to take 1 year of each at least.</p>