My children’s high school offers Physics and also has a dual enrollment with a California community college for a Physical Science class (Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, and possibly geology). I’d prefer that my kids take the dual enrollment class because of its breadth. However, I’m concerned that admissions officers won’t view it as checking the box for Physics. Should I have them take both classes?
This would make their overall 4 years include: Biology, Honors Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, Physical Science (3 college units plus 1 unit lab), and Physics. They can’t take AP Physics because it’s schedule conflicts with the Physical Science class.
They won’t be applying to elite schools but, in addition to in-State publics, several non-elite out of state public universities.
If your child is going to be pursing a STEM degree in college, I would opt for the physics class. It will have much more depth than a class that is going to try to hit so many different topics.
Another vote for Physics vs. Physical Science. At my son’s CA HS, the Physical Science course is considered a science elective not a major core science course.
Is the college course meant for general education for non science majors (i.e. a “physical science for poets” type of course)? Or some other type of target student?
What possible majors is the student considering?
The community college class is survey of physical science (physical 100). It is transferable to a UC or CSU and counts as a physical science with lab (part of IGETC or the 7-in-5 areas courses, I forget which). So I view it as building the foundation for an eventual transfer while holding off on the major preparation classes until closer to the transfer date. Giving my student more time to prepare and more maturity in building mentor/mentee relationships with professors. Student is planning to major in environmental science.