<p>I plan on being a physics major (might transfer into engineering though).</p>
<p>I'm trying to decide between AP Econ (one semester of each) and Ap comp sci.I don't really like java to much and I'm really interested in Econ.</p>
<p>But a teacher recently brought to my attention that taking a science related course would really help me out for applying to colleges.</p>
<p>Unfortunately I was a "late bloomer" academically, so I will have graduated with out taking any science APs or even calculus. So it does seem that Comp Sci could help out.</p>
<p>I'm aiming at some relatively competitive schools,James Madison, Virgnina tech, GMU, UCSB, and UC davis.</p>
<p>Hmmm… I would take econ. First off, you’re not going to be doing an abundance of programming as a physics major. Second, the kind of programming you do will be “[insert relatively modern language here]-as-a-better-FORTRAN” programming and not anything modern or theoretically interesting per se. Third, the kind of programming you’d do in AP CS will have next to nothing to do with Physics at all. Fourth, everybody at the schools you name will know and understand this.</p>
<p>For a prospective physics major, the “useful” AP courses include calculus and physics (and related courses). Other AP should just be used to satisfy core requirements and open up time for taking either lighter course loads or taking more advanced electives later in the curriculum (or graduating early).</p>
<p>If you’re concerned about the strength of your application, I might recommend looking into SAT-II tests. Check with the places you list and see if they accept these scores and take them into consideration in the admissions process. Good scores on these tests would definitely help you get in just as well as AP, although they might not get you out of certain courses, per se. CLEP is another option but I don’t think that’s really even worth looking into.</p>
<p>focus on calc and physics. in particular, math is the best indicator of how well you’ll do in higher level physics classes. Ive seen plenty of physics majors taking upper div classical and e&m spending the year trying to learn the math behind the physics. when the final exam comes, they know the math but are way behind on the actual physics.</p>
<p>when you actually get into college, programming will be incredibly useful. especially at trying to get a job.</p>