<p>Hi,
I'm a senior, and I was thinking about sending my Common App application to CalTech and Harvey Mudd. When I saw that they require a year of chemistry, however, I was like "DANG IT!!!" I haven't taken chemistry a single time in my life, and I don't think I can work around this impediment. Or is there a way? Please guys, need suggestions here!</p>
<p>Was there some reason you never took chemistry, or did you just not feel like it? Did you ever take any kind of chemistry proficiency test (e.g., AP, SAT II) to show that you had mastered the material?</p>
<p>Not having chemistry will put you at a severe disadvantage at both schools where many of the applicants will have AP Chem on their transcripts. Admissions will wonder why you didn’t take it – was it because your school did not offer it or are you not as passionate about science as many of their other applicants? You should explain in your application. </p>
<p>Can you take chemistry in the spring at a local community college or online college course? A college chemistry class counts for one year of high school credit, and you can note on your application and/or transcript your intention to take it in the spring.</p>
<p>That said, if your transcript is strong in other ways, Mudd may accept you provisionally but you’ll have to take a college course over the summer and earn an A or B for final acceptance. This is spelled out on their admissions page under “Eligibility Requirements.” </p>
<p>Caltech doesn’t spell out any such provision, so they will expect you to have chemistry on your transcript.</p>