<p>I'm currently a senior in high school right now taking on a full IB course load. Right now, I am taking IB Physics I (Physics Honors). However, I'm seriously considering switching out, and taking IB Biology II Higher Level (I took IB Bio I= AP bio last year) instead. I have already sent out my transcript to USNA. Will the admissions office view this change of course in a negative way. </p>
<p>also, IB Physics IS NOT a weighted class...there is no exam. IB Biology II HL IS a weighted class...will take exam at end of the year.</p>
<p>Have you had any prior physics? While only the admissions staff and committee know the ultimate answer, it's reasonable to conclude this would not be viewed positively in that physics is required @ USNA. Bio is not. </p>
<p>No doubt you may have good reasons that you believe can explain. And your notion may hold some rationale. The short answer would seem to be...stay in physics. Answering "why" might be interesting and even explanative, but it'll not address the requirements of USNA which prefers, expects physics ...especially from a student otherwise taking IB, AP courses. My fear would be there's no real valid answer you might offer that would suffice, and you don't want to unnecessarily put yourself at a disadvantage. Do no harm.</p>
<p>Even if you've a "good" reason, and should even receive an appointment, you'd be at an academic disadvantage absent of any prior physics. No doubt your record would be viewed as deficient, I suspect.</p>
<p>Only you can decide what the right answer is, based on why you are thinking of switching classes. Here are a few points you might want to consider:</p>
<ul>
<li>Calculus I is usually a pre-requisite, or at least a co-requisite for taking AP/IB physics. If you are trying to take calculus-based physics without having had calculus, and you believe that you will succeed better in IB Biology II, you should be able to explain that satisfactorily. There are reasons why physics is a Youngster class at USNA, and one reason is to allow completion of (usually) two semesters of calculus before attempting physics.</li>
<li>If, on the other hand, you are fully prepared, but you just don't like physics, I agree with WP. Stick with physics.</li>
</ul>
<p>My young lady took AP physics and AP Bio in her senior year - and those tests DO count....Is there any way you can talk to your teacher about self-study options for at least the AP Physics test? In our high school the AP/IB Physics test was taught in the same class with the same teacher?</p>
<p>As far as switching at this point...if you are trying to get away from a lower grade towards your overall GPA, you don't mention this. If you are talking about a "B" instead of an "A" as the only reason you want to opt out of IB Physics, that may be no reason at all.</p>
<p>And I told my girl when she signed up for senior year AP Bio but NO Chemistry that she was really silly. She told me she planned on taking the Chem at USNA. Since she never had Chem in high school that was a tall order for her. At the end of Plebe year, with Chem being the hardest class by far for her, she managed an 89...still a B, by the way with USNA grades....and AP Bio was no help at all.</p>
<p>Stick with Physics, take any test for it...USNA will know by your IB score your abilities with Physics....</p>
<p>You will take validation tests at USNA in physics which can help place you in more advanced levels sooner, which moves up your 'matrix' as they call it throughout your 4 year graduation requirements...offering you more options throughout your years there.</p>
<p>don't drop the physics my son just came back from an offical visit, he is on the boarder line he's either in for next year or to a foundation school. He is in honors physics and his first semester grades in this and honors precalc will determine which route he goes. He decided not to do AP physics as he will not be physics major. He was clearly told USNA places an importance on physics, chemisty and math grades. The fact he is in honors math and honors physics was commented on by the board as a positive.</p>
<p>Someone who knows a lot more about USNA than us, made the point if USNA suggests something however subtle do it! They have clealy suggested an applicant take physics, math (through precal Calc 1 if possible) and chemistry in HS. Biology not so much. </p>
<p>will chime in-
keep the physics-
if you have to because of grades, drop down to a regular course instead of honors-but get the physics behind you.
at USNA, bio is not even on the radar screen.</p>