I want to take AP Physics 1 my junior year, but I also want to take chemistry, so that means I’ll have to stop taking Spanish. I want to major in Biology, but I am really interested in Physics. Im planning on going to a 4-year college, so should I stop taking Spanish after Spanish 3 or should is it not worth taking AP Physics if I want to major in Biology?
Thanks!!!
It really depends on school requirements and/or what you really want. These are some questions that pop into my mind:
Does your school require you to take a certain number of years of bio/chem/physics?
Why do you want to do chemistry concurrently with physics? That seems pretty challenging. I’m not saying you shouldn’t do it if you want, but I think many people do one science each year, plus it depends on the rigor of the courses (will you be doing AP Chem with AP 1? Or is it honors/regular chem? Taking 2 AP sciences is rather difficult, though doable if you put in the effort).
Many schools break down their sciences like this:
Freshman: Bio
Sophomore: Chem
Junior: Physics
Senior: If desired, usually an AP science (Bio, Chem, Physics C, etc.)
Many colleges have a recommendation/requirement for the number of years you have to take a foreign language. For many it’s 1 or 2 years, so if you’ve been doing Spanish since freshman year, you should be fine. But, if you have some colleges in mind that you’re thinking about (and as a sophomore it’s totally okay if you don’t), look to see what they want in terms of how many years you should take different subjects.
Do you like/want to take Spanish? Or are you just taking it for colleges? If you really still want to continue with Spanish but can’t fit it into your schedule, try looking for study abroad opportunities/ summer language immersion programs. These are cool and sometimes even better ways to learn a language than just sitting in a classroom for a year.
Does your school offer AP Physics C? If you’re a strong science and math person, AP C is, in my opinion, a much better class than AP 1. Personally, AP 1 just frustrated me because of the lack of math/focus on concepts. Plus, many colleges don’t offer that much credit for it (if at all. Some only accept credit for both AP 1 AND 2). Of course, I totally understand if you want to take AP 1 first before to get some intro to physics. (I also did not feel okay doing AP C without any prior physics knowledge. But, I did regret the decision to take AP 1 first. Not everyone feels this way though, so you should evaluate how you feel about it before taking anyone’s recommendation on this).
Have you taken Bio yet? If you want to major in Bio taking AP Bio (if you haven’t already) would be a good idea. Most people, though, wait until senior year to take it.
Also, if you like both Bio and Physics, there are a number of colleges with Biophysics classes/programs–check those out.
Hey dude I took Ap chem, bio, and physics 1 my junior year. And also dropped Spanish after finishing Spanish2 sophomore year (Needed to make room for one of the AP sciences).
It is true that some colleges like Harvard recommend 3, and UC’s also recommend 3, but in the end I think they’re looking for a power spike in one area (for me it was sciences). I haven’t seen a single school I’m applying to asking for 3 years of Language.
In the end, I don’t regret dropping language because taking so many sciences is really something I liked. I think you should ask yourself what would challenge you more, if it’s worth the challenge, and if it is, just go for it. It’s not gonna be a big impact if you apply as a Biology major and didn’t finish 3 years of language.
Just make sure you’re not taking the easy way out, if you drop something, make sure to replace with something equally as or more rigorous is a rule I use
Edit: also Spanish for me is very easy and was boring
Edit: I did 4 on Physics1, 4 on Chem and 5 on Biology. I also self studied the APES test (5)but I was able to handle class work because our school’s classes weren’t that difficult. Had to put in a lot of studying for AP exams. Also make sure to ask your counselor my school doesn’t require language at all so make sure your school has similar requirements
Edit: sorry I realized my tone is kind of bragging. I am trying to show you that it isn’t as hard as people say taking multiple AP science classes at school is
I was literally in the same boat as you last year. I too want to major somewhere in the STEM field, not sure where but I know for sure not in the humanities. Last year, my sophomore year, I took Spanish III H. It was a new teacher and I hated the teacher and the class. I sucked at speaking and AP is all about speaking in Spanish. So, I replaced it with AP Physics and I don’t regret my decision. I am taking Chem and Physics concurrently as well as two math courses, so my schedule is very STEM heavy.
However, I have already taken an AP language test so my circumstances are a bit different. Overall, it is your choice but I don’t regret dropping spanish one bit.
You can always self-study spanish!
In my school u only need 2 years to get into a 4 year college I’m assuming that’s for all but idk but anyways I would stop taking it if u already r doing Spanish III cuz bio and physics cab help u more in the long run. Not sure if colleges would want u to take at least 3 or 4 years of a high school language and km also
*and I’m also on the edge about taking Spanish next year