Hi there! I’m currently a sophomore in high school, rising junior. I’ve heard from several different people that colleges like to see that you took physics your junior year of college. (Ps I would love to go to UF). I’m definitely not the best math student and I don’t have an interest in it. The alternative is ap environmental which I want to take my junior year. If I skip physics completely in high school will my chances of getting into UF lower?
I don’t think your chances will really be significantly lower or anything like that, don’t worry about it. They do like to see that you challenged yourself though! So maybe add another AP on there (two easier AP classes instead of AP Physics). But seriously, I took AP Physics because it was either that or regular physics (my school didn’t offer honors) and it was terrible! I have always gotten A’s in math too but physics is more about knowing what you are solving for and memorizing equations than anything. I mean it all depends on your teacher but the pass rate is hardly 30% for AP Physics 1 algebra based. If you truly want the college credit for physics and you’re in-state then consider DE Physics. When you calculate your UF weighted GPA, DE Physics and AP Physics are weighted the same.
I took AP bio junior year and honors physics senior year and just got accepted.
My D was in the same place as you two years ago. She talked to her GC about her junior schedule and what would create the type of rigor the UF was looking for. The GC had a lot of experience with UF applicants and she was a UF grad herself. She gave her a couple of pieces of advise:
-
Sciences: AP lab sciences (BIO, Chem, Physics) are considered “most rigorous” take all three if you can but take at least two. AP Environmental is not seen as rigorous, take it if you wish, but it will not help you get into UF
-
Math: AP Stats is not a math, take it if you wish, but do not substitute it for Calculus.
This was a little harsh for my non-STEM D but she took AP Physics 1 junior year (ended up with 2 As and a 4 on the AP exam to her complete surprise) and is in AP Calc AB/BC her senior year. This schedule really pushed her and she felt she definitely found her limits, especially in Calc, but it also helped her confidence. My D thought her physics teacher was horrible, she basically had to self study her way through, luckily there is a lot of material on-line and 5 Steps to a 5 was a big help.
I’m definitely not a strong math student which scares me to take physics. I’m involved a lot with extra curriculars and have amazing grades. Would UF look past me not taking physics? I don’t even want to major in that field
@CaucAsianDad I’m definitely not a strong math student which scares me to take physics. I’m involved a lot with extra curriculars and have amazing grades. Would UF look past me not taking physics? I don’t even want to major in that field
Will UF look past you for not taking Physic? I don’t know, but if you want to maximize your course rigor you should take all three lab sciences, preferably at the AP level - even if you are not going into a STEM major.
My D and I went to an admissions presentation the 9 state universities put on for our district. All the UF AO talked about was course rigor, and get involved with an EC.
My D felt Physics was just applied Algebra. Her problem was not the Algebra (thought she has never been a good Algebra student) but it was the application. What am I trying to solve? Which formula do I use here? How should my answer be formatted? Those are the things she struggled with.
Try talking to a couple of people in Physics at your school now and get their input on the teacher and the class, the teacher is probably the biggest factor. And if you have amazing grades getting a B in AP Physics shouldn’t be a deal breaker for UF.
If you are in Florida, talk to your GC about what courses you should be taking to prepare for UF. The AOs have seminars with the GCs in the state so they should know best what UF is looking for. Also, your GC should know how you stack up against others at your school that were admitted and could tell you the impact of not taking physics.
@herosaurus17 thank you! That is similar to what my son is doing. APES this year as a junior and honors physics next year. to the OP, check UF requirements, and maybe they just say to take 3 lab sciences in high school (of which APES is not). Our HS requires Environmental but not all do. Interestingly enough, they don’t require physics.
@chb088 I also took AP Chem senior year so I had an extra lab. Sorry I should have said that before.
@herosaurus17 So you had 4 lab sciences? My son will have 3 lab sciences and 2 non-lab sciences. But again, I think the OP should look at the schools applied to. They list their application requirements.
@chb088 my school only started regular Env. Sci my senior year and I didn’t take it so I have. Bio, honors Chem, AP bio, honors physics and honors Chem. Reg. Bio didn’t have a specified lab so I don’t know if that counts for one or not. Your son should be okay though I’m no admissions person.
It doesn’t matter. Tons of people from my school got in and they didn’t even take physics.