Hey guys. I’m a rising senior, and my current schedule looks like this
AP English Literature
AP European History
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Calculus AB
Physics Regents
DCC Gov/Economics
I was wondering if I should add AP Chemistry and replace Physics with it. I’m interested in majoring in Computer Science in high school. The thing is, I know it’s extra work to do AP Chemistry, but I’m so interested in the class that I feel it might be worth it. What do you guys think?
At some colleges, CS is engineering based, required calculus-based physics. This would be more difficult if you have not had at least high school physics.
On the other hand, if an engineering based CS major also requires chemistry or an optional additional science in addition to physics, a sufficiently high AP chemistry score may fulfill it, depending on the college’s AP policy.
Of course, if you go to a college where CS is not engineering based, the above considerations may not matter.
But, for admissions, some colleges prefer to see all three of biology, chemistry, and physics among applicants, and it is a good idea to have some knowledge of physics anyway.
I agree with what you say - I have taken regents Chemistry, and have not taken regents Physics yet. But at the same time the extra AP credit may help me. If it’s any help I’m looking at a nonengineering based CS major and I had great success in my regents Chemistry class that I feel may prepare me for AP Chemistry. But also my schedule is very packed for a senior too. So I’m not sure overall.
Most schools want to see bio, chem and physics. If you haven’t taken any physics at all, stick with physics.
Physics is an important class to take especially if you’re interested in a STEM major.