<p>So, a lot of colleges i"m looking into recommend but do not require 4 years of science. Does that mean I should take four, or is 3 ok? (I am currently decided between a science course and a course I have more interest in).</p>
<p>Well, considering that it's recommended, it would be wise to take that science course unless your desired course is also recommended. In the end, it should come down to your major. If that doesn't involve some sort of science, then I guess it's "less recommended".</p>
<p>I think it also depends on how strong you are as an applicant. If your solidly in the applicant pool, it shouldn't make as much of a difference. However, if you were near the bottom I would imagine it would matter more. Like DarkSideofMoon said, it also depends on your major.</p>
<p>This is an extension to Sleepy's point: It also depends on the selectivity of the college. If it is one of the most selective colleges, anything less than the recommended coursework will be a weakness in your application since your competition is so strong.</p>
<p>Take the course you have more interest in. Especially if it's your intended major.</p>
<p>Hm, well, neither course is in the realm of my potential major, really. I do want to apply to a really selective school. Only one of the schools that I'm applying to wants four years of science, but it's my first choice, so not a lot of help there. </p>
<p>It says:</p>
<p>In general, we would like to see 4 years of English, 4 years of mathematics including calculus, 4 years of science including biology, chemistry, and physics, and 3-4 years of a language. However, we simply use this as a broad guideline, and in no way disqualify an applicant if these classes are not met. </p>
<p>So I'd actually have to take honors physics I guess. Aghhh that would be no fun. Anyone want to try and dissect the college statement?</p>
<p>unless you'll get a terrible grade, you should probably do it.</p>
<p>Do which? AP Environmental or Honors Physics?</p>
<p>I'm kind of confused here. You've taken 3 years of science so far, but you haven't taken Physics yet? Right now you're trying to decide between AP Environmental Science and Physics, and you're concerned about having 3 vs 4 years of a science? I mean, AP Environmental Science would definitely qualify as a science class... Are you asking about whether you need 4 years of science, or if you need the three sciences they've listed? Sorry if I've misunderstood you, but that's how it appears from your posts, and I'm a bit confused. </p>
<p>Like everyone else says, it depends on how strong you are as an applicant. If you're very very strong in the humanities or something non-science, it probably won't hurt all that much. What I'm curious about is how you've taken 3 years of a science without taking physics yet... What's the other science besides bio and chem? Is taking physics normal for students of your caliber, or is it a pretty optional class for most kids? In the end it really just depends on how rigorous your courseload is for your school and how competitive of an applicant you are.</p>
<p>Yeah, sorry it's gotten a bit confused.</p>
<p>Basically:</p>
<p>I want to apply to a college that reccomends 4 years of science including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.</p>
<p>I have taken Biology and Chemistry so far, plus next year I plan on taking AP Biology.</p>
<p>Next year, I also have a choice between 1) AP Environmental 2) Honors Physics and 3) Chinese</p>
<p>To follow the college recomendations, I should take Honors Physics. To meet part of their recommendations (4 years of science but not bio, chem, and phys) I could take AP Environmental. Or I could disregard the whole "reccomendation" and take chinese.</p>
<p>In terms of desireability, I would most like to take Chinese. I would be fine with AP Environmental-- it is easy, but not particularily rewarding. Physics would be really difficult for me and I wouldn't get much out of it. </p>
<p>So:</p>
<p>In order of what I'd enjoy taking:
1. Chinese
2. AP Environmental
3. Honors Physics</p>
<p>In order of what the college would like:
1. Honors Physics
2. AP Environmental
3. Chinese</p>
<p>Therefore, I am basically trying to figure out how important it all is to the college so that I can decide how to weight the enjoyability and admissionability (lets make it a word for now) factors.</p>
<p>Take physics. It's not just the number of years of science, but most selective schools want to see the Big Three: Chem, Bio and Physics. If you have those, you may be able to get away with 3 years of science. But without them, you're running a much bigger risk.</p>
<p>Yes I agree with previous posters. They recommend certain years for what they would consider a strong applicant. But if you do not intend science, and are taking another competitive/interesting course, then it should not really matter.</p>
<p>I wish colleges were less cryptic.</p>
<p>If the other course is challenging and related to your major/ECs/general interest, that may be the best choice in establishing your personality as an applicant. Otherwise, don't deviate from a typical "core" schedule (sci, math, social studies, foreign language, english).</p>
<p>Recommend according to my GC is = "better do it"</p>
<p>She has said this about peer reccs, course work etc.
and has helped many students get into top schools</p>
<p>Hm, thanks. That's a good point. </p>
<p>I guess I'll take Honors Physics. Wow, Senior year is gonna suck. it might be worth it though, if i get into the college of my choice.</p>