No Physics for Engineering?

Test Preparation SAT Subject Test Preparation
1

Hi everyone, I wanted some input on SAT Subject Tests. I am a high school senior signed up to take them October 1st. I was planning on taking Math II, Chemistry, and Physics. I already registered.

I am applying to Cornell ED as an engineer and it’s my dream school; I really think I have a strong application, just need to get these tests done. Cornell CoE requires two, I believe specifically one math and one science. Math II will be fine, and I’m great at Chemistry so I’m confident I can get a 750+, if not an 800.

However, I’m worried about Physics. I go to an IB school and 50% of the topics, if not more, we haven’t yet discussed. For those who don’t know, IB classes are typically 2-year courses. In my junior year we learned a lot of Mechanics, Circuitry, Fluids, and Thermodynamics, and this year is Electromagnetism, Harmonics, Waves, Optics, etc. Which means I will definitely learn these topics eventually, but unfortunately not in time for the test. I’ve been trying really hard to make time to study for Physics, but it’s so difficult with the rest of my IB workload and everything else I have going on. I had no idea there would be so many topics that I haven’t learned yet.

I’m starting to think that I’m better off removing Physics from my registration, and just nailing Chemistry and Math II. This would technically still fulfill Cornell’s requirements, and the rest of the schools I would apply to RD. My parents are also encouraging me to skip the Physics test, but I wanted some other opinions.

However, I’m really worried that not taking Physics would be perceived as a huge missing piece to my engineering application. It’s not that I’m bad at Physics, I just haven’t learned so many of these topics. By the time I entered college I would be fine, but by October 1st, I don’t know if it’s likely.

So I guess my question is, would applying to engineering schools, particularly Cornell CoE, be okay with just two really good Chem and Math II scores, or would a missing Physics test be a red flag? If it really was a huge red flag, I’d study all night for the next 3 weeks. I really want to go to this school and prove myself in any way I can. But if it truly doesn’t matter, I don’t want to waste my stress.

Thanks so much for the support, everyone.

2

Colleges tend to ask for the information that they need to make decisions. The reason Cornell CoE asks for Math 2 and physics or chemistry is that two subject tests tell them how you’ve handled math basics (basic from a college standpoint) and physical sciences. I would only take Physics if you are sure that you will get above 700 and have a good chance of getting 750+. Otherwise it could end up being a drag on your application for no reason.

3

agreed. If you felt equally prepared about Chem and Physics, I’d say take them both and see which score is better. But since you feel when you omit Physics and bear down on Chem, you can crush it – then that’s a viable strategy too.

No college will care that Physics wasn’t taken if you have a high 700s or 800 in Chem. Good luck!

4

Agreeing with the above- and remember that Cornell will see that you are in the middle of a 2 year physics program, so they will know that you have had some.