D20 has taken Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, APES, and now wants to take AP Chemistry for her senior year. Is there any requirement that she take Physics, or is it okay to skip this one? Her schedule is pretty full, so she really doesn’t want to have to skip AP Chem to take Physics.
What is her intended major/school? If she’s applying to SEAS, then Physics is especially important…
She’s not sure. Not engineering though. Maybe Chemistry for Pre dental route, Possibly Psychology.
For anything possibly stem, it helps to be stem strong. And depending on where you live (state or, re: UVa, part of Va,) you can hit a lot of competition from applicants who have it all.
Plus, if this is the 3.4uw student, you need to realistically assess how her course rigor/gpa and scores fall into ranges at her targets. Classes related to the major matter most. And relevant ECs, in and out of hs.
So be cautious. That may include ensuring next year’s schedule isn’t packed with electives that matter less. And that she’s getting the right balance of activities.
@lookingforward she’s got a 4.0 uw and a 4.5 w. I think she’s fine stats wise. Just need to make sure we aren’t missing a required science class. Several schools listed requirements (UGA for example). I just couldn’t find it for UVA or Penn. She has emailed both Admissions offices to check, but hasn’t heard back yet. This is my D20. I have a S18, who isn’t as strong of a student. He’s already in college though. Maybe that’s what you are thinking of? He applied to different schools.
OK, that clarifies. Thx.
Typically top tier schools want to see a lab physics class. They will notice its absence.
I’m calling admissions tomorrow to clarify, because they don’t specify on their website or CDS.
Update…only 4 consecutive science classes required. Doesn’t need Physics because she isn’t interested in Engineering.
Be judicious… if you think she will succeed in physics then it is best to have her take the course - AOs will appreciate academic excellence in difficult courses unrelated to the major in question. Just because it isn’t necessary doesn’t mean it won’t have a positive impact on the application. The first qualification that AOs look for is whether or not an applicant can succeed academically (the 4.0 will only speak to this so much), and doing well in a physics course (especially AP/IB) will undoubtedly help
No I don’t think she’d do better in physics than she would in AP Chemistry. And their admissions office said they only look for 4 sciences.
Is physics a requirement for dental school? If so, it might be worth considering taking physics in high school as a foundation for the college class.
No, Physics is not a requirement for dental school
We’re looking at a different dental school thanks. And we’ve already checked out their requirements. We’re good.
D19 was admitted ED to Penn as a Biology major and we struggled with this same issue. She doesn’t love physics but took it because we believed it would make her a more competitive applicant.
As @lookingforward pointed out, many applicants will have it all. My D19 also took AP Bio 1 & 2, IB Chemistry, and IB Biochemistry. Maybe taking physics didn’t matter, but if she had been denied then she would have always wondered. You only get one bite of the apple; make it count. Good luck to your daughter!
I think OP is trying to look at this rationally, making the calls, etc. So this is a considered decision, not choosing blindly. I think AP chem now makes sense.
It’s good to go through this thinking or exploring exercise. The you make your own best decision.
Best wishes.