<p>Ok, so I am in a dilemma. I can take AP Physics B next year, or AP Bio. The reason I think AP Bio is better is because it carries more prestige for college admissions. AP Physics B can be upgraded to AP Physics C; AP Bio has no upper level. By the way, I will almost undoubtedly not major in science. What should I take?</p>
<p>Have you already taken at least a high school level course in each of the three main sciences?</p>
<p>Have you checked which AP is worth more in terms of subject credit at the colleges you are considering?</p>
<p>The credit is not really important to me, it is more of the prestige factor in terms of college admissions. I have indeed taken a course in each of the 3 main sciences (honors level).</p>
<p>In my school, AP Bio is considered the second easiest AP science class (right behind AP Envi Sci). AP Physics carries more prestige where I’m from. Honestly, they’re both APs, so whichever one more closely relates to your major/you’re more interested in you should do.</p>
<p>Well, I’m looking at econ/business, so neither of those classes are really relevant. And even though this may be the case at your school, it may not be that way for college admissions.</p>
<p>I don’t know about that, I think to colleges AP Physics looks more impressive than Bio. The AP test is supposedly a lot harder too. </p>
<p>I listed business as a possible major and didn’t take either class…</p>
<p>I’d say take physics, if nothing more, you’ll at least get practice with derivatives and such (sorry, not a math/science person at all lol), which you’ll be using in your Econ models in college.</p>
<p>Who cares about prestige, it’s all about what you want to learn. Physics B does not use calculus, but I recommend you take a class you want to take, and not what you think admissions officers want.</p>
<p>They’re probably about equal in prestige really. Physics B is baby physics, but some schools won’t take credit for AP Bio either because the curriculum just isn’t rigorous/focused enough. Take whichever you want. If you haven’t taken an honors physics/bio course, might as well take the AP in that.</p>
<p>If this is for your junior year, you should consider AP Chem and AP Physics C if they are offered.</p>
<p>Yeah, I agree with lakeawead. They both carry the same weight essentially. No college admission counselor is going to accept you or reject based on whether you took AP Bio or AP Physics B…seriously!!! So take which one you’d rather learn.</p>
<p>Well, i just thought that it may act as some kind of tipping point in terms of rigor.</p>
<p>If you don’t have physics c in your school, taking b is the same as taking bio.</p>
<p>Problem is, I DO have C. I’ll also be in MVC hopefully next year as a senior, but im just bad at physics for some reason. So idk how colleges will view me being in B and MVC concurrently.</p>
<p>What is your intended or possible major in college? If it is something like physics or engineering, you may want to take physics C, or a college physics for scientists and engineers course.</p>
<p>If you are not going into Engineering, AP Bio is fine. That being said, you should also decide based on the relative difficult of each class & teacher, at your school. Ask the seniors about course rigor and grading patterns, before they graduate. And of course your own comfort with math equations & subject matter. You want to maximize your 12th grade, first term GPA! Good luck.</p>
<p>Sunbrite,my son who is a junior just made his senior schedule. He is interested in possibly majoring in engineering. He chose to take AP Bio over AP Physics. He already has taken Honors Physics. I am interested in why you think the Physics would have been a better choice and if you think it will make a big difference in selective admissions. I appreciate your time in offering your opinion.</p>
<p>Hi ctmom2013:</p>
<p>Physics is the course most related to Engineering but I think if your son already has PhysicsH under his belt, taking AP Bio senior yr would make sense too, particularly if has an interest in Biomed engineering. Perhaps he can also demonstrate mastery by sitting for SAT II Physics this Spring or next Fall. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks, he is interested in Biomed and enjoyed bio a little more than physics. He has already taken bio and physics SAT II. Thank you for your advice.</p>
<p>You’re welcome! I am always impressed with high school students who have taken all 3 major sciences before senior year, and hopefully selective admissions officers will be too.</p>