I want to major in computer science, but taking four years of science is sometimes recommended at some schools. However, I want to take AP Psychology, but unfortunately, it counts as a social science.
I also am not sure which class to take junior and senior? My choices are ap chem, ap bio, ap env sci, physics, ap physics. Science isn’t necessarily my strong suit; I wouldn’t call it my weakness either.
Yes, take four years of a Lab Science. When you choose your science for Junior year make sure you choose the one for senior year too. Think of it as a two year sequence. Take the two you think you will do the best in. I call it, “protect the GPA.” Save the harder one for senior year. If you take the one you will get the best grade in junior year it will fit nicely on your transcript for college applications. Don’t forget to take into account the teacher for each class. We all know a strong/weak teacher can have a lot to do with how well you do.
Yes, four years of science is best.
Yes, you need four years of science. Typically the progression is env, bio, chem, and then physics.
I disagree. If you have already taken Physics, Chem, Bio (especially if some these were honors/ or AP), then substituting environmental or another generic science with AP Psychology is perfectly fine.
A not uncommon progression in NYS, but [bfar** from typical nationwide. A more common progression is bio–>chem–>physics–>elective.
And I’m going to disagree with your disagreement. For many schools and for many potential majors, that’s fine, but the OP is a prospective STEM major targeting colleges where at least some are recommending 4 years of science.
While there are valid reasons for not filling a top college’s recommended HS preparation, “Science isn’t necessarily my strong suit” is not one of them. The kid does not need to take AP Physics C as the senior year science, but should, IMO, take a science.
Most colleges suggest 3 years but want 4 years. Remember you don’t want to meet just the medium. You want to go above the requirements if you can for most colleges especially the more competitive ones. Same with math etc. You should be in the higher math even if you start Calc 1 in college.
BTW-our school actually does physics - chemistry - bio and senior year AP physics c or whatever… Some kids do chemistry then AP Chem right after honors Chem. All honors school. They have their reasoning for doing reverse order and many schools are now copying their curriculum.
I would make sure I took Bio, Chem, Physics and then an AP science.
So for junior year I would suggest a physics and then look at colleges of interest and see what sciences they have you take as a freshman…so probably you would want to take AP Chem or AP Physics as a senior
Well, this is kinda obvious, but…does your school offer AP Computer Science? I would definitely take that. After that, see which AP Sciences you enjoy the most. (Between you and me, AP Bio is generally considered the easiest, so try and knock that out first). AP Chem and Physics are much harder, but I assume you enjoy science, so they shouldn’t be too hard. Also, does your school offer virtual classes? They may be able to offer courses you’d be interested (especially AP Computer Science) that you normally wouldn’t be able to take at your school.