Not taking a science class and taking a free period senior year

Applying to College
1

<p>So I'm currently a Senior and I'm enrolled in AP Physics and I've realized that it's getting to be too much especially with AP Physics, which requires a lot of self studying. Especially since the physics program at my school isn't that great.
I was hoping to drop the class and take a free period, this however would mean that I don't have a science.
The issue is that I want to apply as a CS major to schools like UC Berkeley, UCLA, Harvey Mudd... But taking the off period would relieve a whole lot stress so I can concentrate on college apps and extracurriculars. </p>

<p>Here is a condensed course history for a better perspective.
9th grade: Adv. Physics
10th grade: AP Chemistry, AP European History, Honors-Pre Calc, Honors Spanish 7-8
11th grade: AP Biology, AP Computer Science, AP Spanish, AP Lang, College Math - Calc 1
12th grade: AP Literature, AP Stats, AP Art History, AP Government, College Math - Linear Algebra, and AP Physics
My overall ranking in my class is #4. I have taken SAT subject tests for Chemistry, Biology E, and Math II.
I would consider my extracurriculars strong and have also done a lot of programming at my internship.</p>

<p>Would it affect my chance of getting into one of the CS programs mentioned above if I drop physics and take the off period? </p>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

2

<p>I would drop AP Stats since you are taking Linear Algebra and you are way ahead with your Math courses. For CS majors, colleges usually require a year long science track of either Physics, Chemistry or Biology. Continuing Physics would make the most sense for a CS major. Either way, I do not think it will hurt your chances. </p>

3

<p>Id say dropping AP Physics is fine in your case since you have all three sciences and are taking two math classes.</p>

4

<p>You’re probably fine since you have two math classes, but as Gumbymom says, the ideal situation would be to drop stats instead. Three years of science is the minimum requirement at most top schools and many of the other applicants will have 4 or more years of science. </p>