I recently started my senior year in high school. I’m stress out about not having a Physics course in my high school transcript. My school only offer Physics course once a semester, so twice a year. I could not take this semester due to having to take a foreign language and Physical Education 1 to meet those Honor Diploma requirements. My foreign language class goes for all-year, I can’t finish the foreign language course this semester and take Physics next semester. It reflects with each other. Some science course credit I have earned/planning: I decided to take an Astronomy course this school year because this was the only science course available for me to take. I’m also taking Calculus (all-year) in High School this year and hope that it might help in college admission when it comes to not having one of core science. Science credits already earned: Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry, two elective science credits. + This semester Astronomy course (half credit).
I’m interested in majoring: Mechanical Engeeernering, Computer Science, Accounting.
Ouch! For engineering and CS, I would recommend taking physics. Is there a nearby college where you can take it in the evening as a dual enrollment? Those are competitive majors and you’re going up against a lot of kids who have Physics C(3).
You need to see what your colleges of interest require of applicants. Yes, given your intended areas of study, not having physics could be a problem. Then again, there are colleges that don’t necessarily stipulate that you need physics. Go see your guidance counselor. I’m getting the impression you are perhaps an international student, but if you plan to study at a college in the US, many will expect physics for sure if you plan to study engineering.
I agree that for engineering/CS, physics should have been your priority. Many of the programs my daughter applied required at least some level of HS physics. Do what you can to get that physics course into your schedule.
What courses will you have to take? if you have to take physics in college, you will be at a disadvantage if you have to take physics for the first time in college.
Do you want a BA or a BS in CS? if BA you may not have to take Physics.
I will be the first member of my family to attend a college if I get accepted. My parents never went through this process of applying for a college. I’m always stressful when it comes to school due to having a minimum knowledge of the school system. Moreover, I never realize how much impact it has on school when you don’t have well-educated or experienced parents. I wish more teachers or school counselor would reach out for students who really need the most help with school. I can’t blame my parents either, the school system is constantly changing every year. I have been working hard ever since middle school to have at least a minimum GPA of 3.5. Last year, I went beyond 4.0 GPA and it was a great achievement for me. I also took some AP classes. In my past years, I have been able to maintain my 3.5 GPA throughout my high school years. I learned the most important thing about school is not just about working hard but working smart. I have requested Physics course twice in my Junior and Senior years. Last year, It was between Chemistry or Physics. This year, it’s between Physics and two courses required to graduate. Bad luck and blunder decision… Any other advice, I would really appreciate. Fun Fact: I have never heard of the ACT or SAT Test until the last few days of my Sophmore year.
@bopper I’m only planning to get a bachelor degree in Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering. I have met all 3 credits of science that university is asking for admission. However, I assume they are probably asking for Physics as well.
Physics is less apt to be required for accounting. I suggest making an appointment with guidance and letting them know you could use some help knowing the whole college application process. The guidance department may have an established way of reaching out to all seniors but it can help to have some 1 on 1 info.
But you are competing for admission with other possible Mech Eng who have had physics.
And then you are taking required physics classes with students who have had regular and possibly also AP Physics.
@bopper@momtogirls2 I agree I need to find a way to take Physics. But it’s going to be very difficult since I only have a limited amount of time before I graduate from high school.
Some schools require applicants to complete a certain list of premedical course requirements while others have moved to a competency-based admissions. At a minimum, students will likely complete the following types of courses:
One year of biology
One year of physics
One year of English
Two years of chemistry (through organic chemistry)
I didn’t read through the entire thread, but my D has a friend who is doing some kind of combined math/physics major at SUNY Stonybrook and she never took a single physics class in college.
Colleges do not expect you to take classes that are not available. Unless the program you want has a specific stated requirement, you should be fine. Ask your guidance counselor to note in his letter that you could not take it because it was unavailable. You can also note it on your own applications.