Should I take Senior Year Physics?

Back before I knew anything, in 8th grade going into high school, they told me to take IPC(Integrated Physics and Chemistry, a pointless class) — and I did.

Now, Junior year in Chem, I realize it was pointless. I’ve taken Biology(last year) so I’ve got grad requirements.

I’m really worried, though, about taking Physics next year… I’m not a math person, but an English person.

I’d probably take AP Physics, but my real question is whether or not colleges need to see Physics, Chem, and Bio? I don’t think IPC has any weight in that, but KEEP IN MIND that my major is finance or political science, so physics the course does little for me in the long term…

<p>what kind of school you want to go to?</p>

<p>if you don't like/want to take physics then dont! and, especially with ap physics, you won't do well if you don't have a passion for it as well as if you lack the required math skills. take something that deals with literature or language or whatever, but if you really need a science then i recommend biology-- very little math.</p>

<p>First question you need to ask yourself: "Do I like physics?"
Only Question you need to ask yourself: " ' ' ' ' "
If answer is no, and you decide still to take physics, there is one more question you need to ask yourself: When am I going to stop tryin to please my parents/schools college hopes for me and start becoming a human being with actual academic interests?"</p>

<p>AP Physics requires that you know calculus ... and I'm guessing you have not had Calc</p>

<p>^. Only for Physics C.
Physics B is just algebra manipulation</p>

<p>most colleges want 3 years of a lab science. Do you meet that with the IPC class? </p>

<p>Also remember colleges also want to see that you have challenged yourself in HS. So the question becomes, if not physics, then what? </p>

<p>From a personal growth point of view, the physics class might be the right class for you, anyway. The point is not to take classes that you find easy, but to take classes that lead you to learn and grow. If taking physics is going to cause you to develop better study habits, to spend time working practice problems so that you can understand the material, it might be just what you need.</p>

<p>I know that some schools (VA Tech, and maybe some other Tech schools) require/highly recommend that applicants take Physics in high school. So I would double check that with the schools your interested in. (This info can be found on the school website.)</p>

<p>physics is hard...decide if you really like physics</p>

<p>i had the same exact problem when i was registering for classes a month ago. i'm a junior and taking chemistry right now as well. my science class from freshman year was point less. i'm going to major in international relations and science seems less significant to me. but what i did was i registered for physics. i *did[\i] thought about ap physics, but i had second thoughts. colleges would rather see you take the most challenging class than an easy one. </p>

<p>answering your question: yes colleges want to see all three years of science; that includes biology, chemistry, and physics.</p>

<p>but hey who knows, maybe the physics teacher might be cool :) i hope mine is. haha</p>

<p>I am in physics this yr as a junior and i was wondering if they want 4 yrs of science at ivy?</p>

<p>Remember, qweezie is interested in polysci or finance, not the hard sciences or engineering. Is Physics really necessary?</p>

<p>if you are not a math person, absolutely not. The integrated sequences that HS put out are not even close to a good survey course.</p>

<p>Aye, I said the same thing joemama to the counselor.</p>

<p>Of course, I got the "well, I really think... it'd be better if you DID take it" response.</p>

<p>I'm not going for any huge leaps in applying to colleges, and I'd love to just go to Texas A&M, where I have automatic admit anyway.</p>

<p>But I'll also apply to, for instance, Tulane, NYU, et. al a few others and I wonder really how much weight Physics has?</p>

<p>At most high schools, 9th grade science is an intro type course and does not count as a lab science.</p>

<p>Very competitive schools expect to see 3 years of lab science. If you don't have the physics, chem, bio trio, then this will be noted. It does not knock you out, but it is a basic that you don't have. This is usually regardless of major, people change majors all the time. </p>

<p>For less competitive schools, the requirements may be relaxed. Check each school and note Required courses and Recommended courses. Then make your choice. If you really like the school, be sure to do the Recommended.</p>

<p>It is not critical to take AP Physics. Regular physics will be fine.</p>