Is it worth taking AP Physics C in my senior year?

Applying to College
,
1

For context, I’m applying to college as a CS major. I’m looking at top schools for CS like Urbana Champaign, Georgia Tech, and Berkeley. I took AP Chemistry last year, which was extemely tough but I was able to get through it with an A-.

Now in senior year, I’m taking AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, and AP Literature. I’m also taking AP Physics C. This course is going to be really tough, and I’m sure I can manage to get a high B if I work really hard. The thing is, it gives me less time to focus on college essays and SATs (still need to do math subject).

I’ve been given the option to drop into an Honors Anatomy class and an engineering theory class (physics c is a two block for me). My question is, considering the schools I’m applying to, will it make a difference to college AOs if I don’t have C? I know some of my friends are taking both, but is it worth having less time for college apps and SATs?

2

You will need to take physics in college. AP C will be the most valuable class you can take to prepare for the rigors in college. High B is great.

3

Have you taken another AP physics before?

4

Have you taken any physics before?

5

Nope - I took Physics I but not AP Physics. I’m guessing you’re leaning towards taking it this year, despite the workload?

6

Yes; Physics I but not AP.

7

High school physics is the minimum physics preparation to enter an engineering or engineering-based CS major, as it is commonly assumed as a prerequisite to physics in college.

However, taking more advanced physics like AP physics C can look better to admissions readers when applying to an engineering or engineering-based CS major. Assuming that you are otherwise competitive for admission at a school with subjective review, whether that will be the difference-maker in an admissions decision for you is impossible to say in advance.

8

Let’s hope OP also has the recommended foreign lang and history prep/rigor.

9

I’ve taken three years of Honors histories and three years of Honors languages; I think that’s fine for engineering schools in general?

10

If you were going to drop something, I’d drop the AP Statistics course as it’s not calc based and in many colleges won’t be good for much. You’d be better off taking Stats in college. My non-STEM kid managed to get a B+ in AP Physics C.