Hi, so I am scheduling for my junior year and I’m wondering what science course I should take. So far, I have taken Biology (9th grade), Chemistry 1 and 2 (10th grade), and AP Environmental Science (10th grade). We run on block scheduling, so that is how I got to take all of these classes. Anyways, I’m debating on if I should take AP Physics and/or Honors Earth Science. I know I should take physics because it looks “better” but earth science interests me more.
I’m thinking about majoring in earth science/environmental/bio or something like that (or maybe something completely different). That being said, I do want to take earth science, but should I wait until senior year to take it? And would it look bad going to Earth Science from AP Environmental?
I suggest including a year of physics. Having the bio-chem-physics trifecta will keep more doors open for you. Whether you take it in 11 or 12 doesn’t really matter. If you are considering a STEM major later on, you may want to take it in 11 so you have 12 open for a higher level/AP science class. Accordingly, unless you are a STEM hopeful, taking Earth Science after AP Environmental may be seen as a step down. I would check with your guidance counselor to confirm that, because the curriculum can differ from place to place. There is more leeway if you are not a STEM hopeful and/or are not applying to highly selective colleges.
Since you’re on block scheduling, you should make sure to fit into your schedule:
English, History, Foreign Language level 3 or 4, Physics, and Precalculus (or whatever is the appropriate level of math for you). That should leave you slots for Earth Science and another elective without trouble.
I’d agree with Physics. Honors Earth Science after AP ES might be looked on as a step down. Hitting Bio/Chem/Physics is already recommended.
If taking both is an option, that would work too. Two AP sciences is a bad idea, but AP Physics 1 (I assume, not C) and honors ES should be Ok.