<p>I'm a senior and decided not to take physics because I don't like mathematical sciences. However, I have 4 years of science:</p>
<p>9th grade: geophysical science (doesn't count as "physics" even though it had some in it)
10th grade: biology
11th grade: chemistry
12th grade: premedical studies (a rigorous elective)</p>
<p>is this okay? I really didn't want to take physics so I didnt sign up for it this year. Plus it's too late to add it now, since school is already 3 weeks in. </p>
<p>How will this affect me? I don't really know what I want to major in yet. I'll be applying to: Cornell, Duke, Rochester, USC, Vanderbilt,
UCLA, UCSD, UC Berkeley, UC Davis</p>
<p>It shouldn't hurt too badly, even though it may have been a questionable decision if you're going into any science profession. Who knows, you may decide physics is your true calling.</p>
<p>Why spend time worrying about a decision that you have already made and cannot change? You are increasing your anxiety level for no good reason. You made a decision based on what was right for you. </p>
<p>And no one on this Board can tell you if it matters unless they do the research you need to do. Check on the school sites and see what they say about the HS preparation they want to see. Chances are good, that you have fulfilled it just fine. But if you suspect a problem, they are the ones you should ask. Meaningless anecdotal opinions are like candy--they might taste good for a moment, but they are empty calories. You cannot rely on them.</p>
<p>You should be fine. Most students don't take it, though generally it does help. I heard it is a big plus in a pre-med program though. (My school's pre-med program requires honors Physics to be taken)</p>
<p>Starting with this year's high school Freshman class, every Texas high school student (who does not take special ed classes) is going to have to pass Physics to graduate from high school. This is going to be quite interesting. </p>
<p>Right now, a LOT of students at our HS don't take it....even lots of students at the top of the class choose to take AP Bio and AP Chem instead. It's a really hard course. I assume that in a couple of years, when the current freshman all hit Physics, the teachers will teach the class like they've always done. There will be a low pass rate, parents will be up in arms, then they will water down the course so that even those with below average IQs (that's half of the population folks) can pass. (The Texas legislature is full of idiots.)</p>
<p>To be honest, you may have made a mistake by not taking physics. After researching several highly selective school's admissions requirements (and the 'preferred' high school courses) last year, we were told, without exception, that succesful applicants--regardless of major--have all three of the major sciences and that a second level in one of them was 'desirable'. Good luck.</p>
<p>Agreed missypie! I'm from Florida, and I know anyway! Students in Florida are so stupid anyway. Florida has a state standardized test called the FCAT, which is required to graduate. Low-income parents think it is unfair because students need to know coordinate-geometry to pass. What? Is that a REAL complaint?</p>
<p>Rutgersmama, I respectfully differ. One of my daughter's friends last year didn't take physics and is now attending an Ivy. The rest of her curriculum was rigorous but not unusually so. Some schools, like Choate, have all their students take it freshman year (a big mistake in my mind) but if your school doesn't make you take it, I think it's completely fine. Especially since the OP has 4 years of science.</p>