<p>I'm a rising sophomore at Andover and I have a couple of questions regarding MIT (my dream college) and the subjects I choose...</p>
<p>On MIT's website it recommends among other things that a student should have one year of biology, chemistry and physics.</p>
<p>Now I am moving to Andover from Australia where in ninth grade everyone does integrated science (Very basic to 35% of each SAT subject test in bio, chem and physics) and at Andover we're only allowed to do 5 subjects a trimester with most sciences being yearlong commitments. </p>
<p>Now to cut to the chase, I like Physics and I'm doing AP C Physics this year. But for the next two years rather then do Chemistry or Biology I was thinking of doing Relativity and Quantum Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics and a Physics Seminar (which I have no idea what it is but its the final Physics course available). Will this hurt me for MIT? Should I try and self study AP Bio and/or AP Chem? Or should I not do no further Physics and do AP Bio and AP Chem?</p>
<p>I plan to double major in math and finance or math and economics with a minor in Physics or something like that (haven't looked into that aspect much)...</p>
<p>I also have a project that's in the process of being developed hopefully for Intel that is concerning Physics if that changes anything...</p>
<p>Honestly, I don't think it'll hurt you. It's not like you haven't taken any chem or bio, right? If I were you, I'd email the admissions officers.. tell them what classes you're taking and ask them if this would satisfy the requirements.</p>
<p>You don't need AP levels in those sciences.. I think they just want applicants to have scientific background..</p>
<p>So, I took just one year of Bio - no AP, followed by two years of Chem (Honors + AP). If you've already taken a basic biology course, I think you'll be fine, especially if you're pursuing physics (which appears to be your true passion?) in great detail. However, you should feel free to double-check with the admissions office; I'm sure this is also something your guidance counselor could address in his/her recommendation letter, if you really feel it's necessary, when you get to that point.</p>
<p>Yes, I do enjoy Physics a lot so hopefully I'll do that. </p>
<p>Should I email the MIT adcoms now because it's only a ideal scenario, it's not like I'm guaranteed to get an A in Quantum Mechanics which is the only way one can do Fluid Mechanics at our school? </p>
<p>Or should I wait 'till I'm a rising senior? The pros of emailing is it shows enthusiasm on my part for MIT while the con is I'm not even guaranteed the A necessary to progress further. Of course I think it is probable I'll get the grades but it could come off as conceited or presumptious. Any ideas?</p>
<p>As for the biology, my courses in Australia were an integrated science where we spent a term and a bit on each one of biology, chemistry and physics for 4years starting from Year 7 (when Australian high school starts) to Year 9 (my last year in Australia). </p>
<p>Is that adequate for a 1 year Biology program? I could do self study AP Chemistry as it kinda links with Physics at the Quantum stage if necessary as it's not like I don't like Chemistry or Biology, it's just I prefer Physics a lot...</p>
<p>I think since you have a unique situation you should just go ahead and email now. It can't hurt you and that way you'll atleast know whether or not its the right thing to do before signing up for the classes. You don't want to go another year and then find out you need to do different things to satisfy the requirements.. you'll have lost a year..</p>
<p>I think I'll go email them now. Its also the fact that I could do Chemistry and Biology as other courses later on but I'd prefer to do economics, history and math based subjects over those two Sciences as my preferred major is math + economics with a minor in Physics. Does that change anything? </p>
<p>Because in a way I'm saying I don't want to do Bio and Chem but I'm doing a higher Physics + higher maths (Beyond linear algebra and multi variable calc) and AP economics which are my passions so does that compensate for the no Bio + Chem?</p>
<p>First of all, remember that Relativity and Quantum Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics and a Physics Seminar are all trimester contained courses. Also, you can take more than 5 courses. In fact, last spring, I took 7. I do recommend, however, that you consider taking chemistry.</p>