I’m currently a high school junior and plan on applying to some elite/Ivy league schools as an political science or economics major, with a possible pre law track. I have taken honors biology, honors earth science, honors chemistry and AP Chemisty (this year), so far. I am not sure what senior year science class to take, and I have only have room to take one.
I am leaning toward physics, as I have not taken it yet, and do not want to leave high school without some basic knowledge. My school offers both honors physics and AP Physics 1 (no AP Physics C). To put that in perspective, my public high school, does not offer regular physics. Many students skip honors physics and go straight to AP. However, with the notorious reputation of the course and they fact it is not relevant to my major, makes me lean towards physics honors. However one disadvantage is that I would required to take a midterm and final in June. While my other peers would be done after the AP exams in the May and would be off from school midterm week.
On the other hand, without taking a AP science, I will only be taking 4 APs senior year. I took one AP sophomore year (only one allowed) and 4 this junior year ( 6 including macro/micro which I’m self studying for) . I would estimate about 15/350 Students take 5+ APs senior year in my high school and I want to be competive with them for elite schools. So if I were to take physics honors, I would only be taking 4 APs. Since I am wary about skipping to AP Physics 1, I could take AP Psych or AP Environemral science, since it its related to the public policy issues in my possible career path/major, and hit 5 APs.
So the question is should I take honors physics, AP Physics 1, AP psychology or AP environmental science?
AP Physics 1 presupposes no prior knowledge of physics. In general, the course is no harder / more time-consuming than physics honors, but a lot depends on the teacher.
You say “only” like it’s a negative. The law of diminishing returns kicks in after 6-8 APs; each additional will not meaningfully impact you application. No AO is going to count APs by year. Also keep in mind your hidden class in the Fall - college applications and essays, as well as the reality of senioritis in the Spring.
Bottom line, you should take physics. Which physics is up to you, since only you know how you will manage the workload.
Agree you should take physics – most top colleges like to see students with a sequence of HS bio, chem, and physics.
Speak to science teachers in your HS as well as your guidance counselor to determine which level of physics is appropriate given your background. In some schools you can jump right into AP Physics but our HS requires students get a B or better in honors physics before they can enroll in AP Physics so every high school will have its own guidelines.
And keep in mind for schedule rigor I think most people would regard honors physics as more rigorous than AP Psychology or APES. Again, you can discuss this with your guidance counselor.
@happy1 Even AP Physics 1, which is what the OP is questioning? Although you are correct that each HS can set it’s own prereqs, the CB guidelines are that this algebra-based physics class is a first-level physics class, so for a HS to have a physics prereq seems overkill
In all honesty our HS doesn’t use a standard AP curriculum…but my main point was that I think it makes sense for the OP to discuss the options with science teachers and the guidance counselor to determine the best placement taking into account the OPs interests/overall schedule etc.
Ask about the difference between AP physics and honors Physics.
What are the 4 a1aps you’re taking next year?
In my opinion, you’re fine with 4, APs even if some students take 5.
Physics honors will be considered more rigorous than APES or ap psychology.
Non-AP physics courses in high school may have broader coverage, but less depth than AP physics 1. If that is the case at your high school, you may want to choose based on whether you want broader coverage (non-AP physics) or deeper coverage on fewer topics (AP physics 1).
The Honors Physics class is veered for the New York State Regents Examination, which covers similar material to AP Physics 1 but is much easier with less depth. there is no prequisite for either course exept for algebra. The APs I am planning on taking so far is AP Literature, AP Calc BC, AP Spanish Lang and culture and AP US Gov and politics.
I think you’d be okay with Honors Physics. Your 4 APs are core APs+ They match what you want to study in college + You’re taking Calculus which shows you’re no slouch on the quantitative front. I don’t think taking AP physics 1 v. Honors Physics would ‘add’ to your application. You can really choose whatever seems more manageable.
Keep in mind your first semester will be super busy with college applications and keeping up with ECs is more important than one class.