No science in senior year, but have taken 4 years already

Applying to College
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I’m a rising high school senior who has technically taken 4 years of science already: Honors Bio in freshman year, Honors Chem and AP Bio in sophomore year, and AP Physics 1 in junior year. This year, I was going to take AP Enviro Sci, but I have a schedule conflict with Latin 4H.

I was thinking of choosing Latin 4H over APES, because I enjoy the class more, but I don’t know if this would look bad for me, especially because I want to major in bio.

So my question is: is it okay to skip science in my senior year if I have taken 4 years of it already? Will colleges dislike this, especially if I’m going to be a bio major?

(extra info if needed: extracurriculars aren’t strong, relying pretty heavily on academics and essays, the schools I’m applying to are BU, NYU, and Stanford, along with pretty much all the UCs)

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Yes

They would also like that you have had 4 years of foreign language.

That said, is AP Chem an option in addition to Latin?

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APES is also considered a less rigorous class than foreign language generally–of course different at every school, but that may be the perception. Since you have all three core sciences including two years of bio, you’re fine.

I was in a similar situation and didn’t take math or science senior year and my admissions went very well. My GC explained in my rec letter, and I suggest you ask for the same.

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That’s a good point! However, I’m not sure whether it’s more important to have a science class in senior year or 4 years of foreign language.

Unfortunately, it’s not; it also conflicts with my other classes. Besides, I don’t think I would take it even if it was, as it’s such a difficult course at my school, and I would rather just stick to APES.

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I didn’t know that APES was generally less well-regarded than foreign language! I think I will take your suggestion about the rec letter.

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If it were 4 years of science vs 4 years of foreign language for a future STEM major, I would say 4 years of science. But since you have 4 years, and have at least one bio/chem/physics, you are covered. Taking a science senior year is not going to be a make or break, especially when the science is APES.

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Yes have the GC explain there was a scheduling conflict. I think you will be fine. And Latin comes in handy in life, even in the sciences!

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I’d go with Latin. It comes in handy in bio and particularly if you go into a medical field. My son took Medical Terminology: Latin and Greek for Scientists through the language department and it came in very handy! You have enough in the sciences and APES just isn’t looked at as a strong course where Latin 4H is.

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Thank you all very much!! I agree that my 4 years of science should be fine, so not taking APES probably won’t matter much. I’m going to go with Latin 4H!

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For what it’s worth, my S found it pretty easy to self study and take the APES exam if for any reason that appeals. I agree that your counselor’s letter should be able to explain scheduling conflicts.

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Why bio major though? It’s one of the most competitive majors and also one with the worst job prospects.
In addition, just know (College) Gen Chem will be AP Chem’s equivalent, but compressed into a semester.
That being said, between Latin 4 and APES, Latin 4 would be more rigorous.