<p>Hey everyone!
I will most likely be applying ED to UPenn next year ( I am a junior). Quick question:
For the past three years my science classes have been:
1- Biology
2- Physical Sci (Intergrated Chem and Physics)
3- Physics
4- A.P Physics (next year)</p>
<p>My question is - Is it okay that I did not take a “full” chemistry course. I was talking about this with some of my friends today, and they said that Chemistry was a “basic class every student should take”. Basically, they said it was a requirement for acceptance. Does anyone agree with this? I just dont understand - I do not want to major in Science - those what is the big deal? Will I be at a big disadvantage if I do not take a Chem course? I have a passion to go to Penn and I do not want to ruin my chances just because I took Physical Science instead of Chemistry.</p>
<p>If your sciences classes were still the most rigorous you could have taken, then you should be fine. Although, it looks like AP Physics to be the only rigorous science class you will take, unless you meant to tell us that the bio, phys. sci., and physics class you have/are taking are honors as well OR if honors science classes are not offered. It will be somewhat of a disadvantage going into the admissions game when you're courseload is not as rigorous as others' if you have not taken the honors/advanced, etc. class that was available. Is there a particular reason why you didn't take the honors science class (assuming it was available)?</p>
<p>If your other classes are either honors/AP/IB/etc. then I don't think taking a non-honors science class will affect your chances immensely, but it wouldn't hurt.</p>
<p>I second all of that. Like at my school there are no honors and you have to take the reg. track before you can take the AP (except for physics) so that won't be counted against me because it's still the most rigourous, but I'm guessing from your comments you've taken the easy road</p>
<p>Ok - I will try to explain. For all other classes except science, I am accelerated (ex. Ap World, AP US, AP Eng, AP Pysch, AP Italian , AP Calc) .... for the past three years I have been in honors or AP for all ..except science... this is not b/c I was slacking off... I will explain
To get into the honors Bio for freshman yr, you had to take this ridiculous test that "assesed you". B/c i did not go to the best grammar school, I was not prepared and did not get in to it.
Bio regular I did amazing - final average of 99 ... I told my teacher that I wanted to go into Chem Honors... and she said No.. I complained o adminstration and they said department approval was necessary .. :sigh: ... so i had to take physical science .. ended up with a 95 ......this year i got into physics (usually you would have to take chem, but since i did good in physical sci.. i advanced)... and this is my position... what should i do senior year... chem hon. or A.P Physics?? I am a really dedicated student and would not have taken the easier road if any circumstances.. ehh sigh ... what should I do? Now that you knnow more - I need advice!
Thanks soo much</p>
<p>By the way - their is no Physics Hon course... and A.P bio is only offered to juniors or seniors that took chem already</p>
<p>Honestly, I don't think it'll hold you back that much if at all. It's only a single class that you haven't taken rigorously, and it's not like you have never been exposed to AP/Honors material. Of course, I'm not an adcom or a Penn student, so I can't confirm this, but I know people from my school who have applied to top colleges without necessarily taking the most rigorous courses (usually 1 class short of all AP/Honors classes). I don't necessarily know how many get accepted, but unfortunately at our school, only those who take the most rigorous classes get into Penn. It may be different for you though.</p>
<p>yeah i have a similar question... i took earth science in 9th grade, biology in 10th grade... then i switched schools for this year and took chem... would i be better off taking ap chem, or at least a more advanced chem class next year or should i take a basic physics class... btw, my major will have nothing to do with sciences if that makes a difference</p>