I am a junior in high school and we are currently choosing our classes for next year. I want to know if I really have to take Honors Physics for top colleges. My plan for next year is to take AP Chem along with Honors Physics but am worried about the course load. I’ve already taken/taking Honors Bio, Honors Chem, and APES. If I don’t take physics I could take AP Psychology. I want to apply to UPenn, Berkeley, Northwestern, UMich, UIUC and others. What would you guys recommend?
Top colleges want to see Biology/Chemistry and Physics on your science class list. You do not have to take Honors Physics, but you should take a Physics course for the best chances.
@Gumbymom Honors or AP Physics 1 are my only choice as taking general level will reflect poorly compared to my other classes. AP is super tough and I don’t want to do that along with chem.
Any other suggestions?
If you haven’t taken physics yet, you need to take it as its a common requirement
My son wanted to take AP Chem too – had taken biology & Chem in 9/10. He wants to go into engineering so he taking AP Physics 1 as a junior & will take AP Physics C as a senior - sadly no AP Chem for him. (He does take Original Science research too.) My friend’s daughter went to a strong STEM high school - lots of math & science - she took extra Chemistry - tried AP Physics but dropped it. She got into MIT so all is well. She is much more interested in Chemistry & math. I think for you, it is helpful to take & do well in courses that relate to the areas you more interested in studying in college. Also, as you might notice in looking at college websites, some colleges request you take SAT Subject tests math (level 2 usually for “top” schools) and a science related to your intended major.
@CA1543 Thanks a lot for the info! I think I will go ahead and take both classes. It’s a safer bet.