It’s time to pick courses for my senior year- freshman year I took intro physics and chem courses. AP Bio was next, now I’m in AP Chem junior year. I was wondering if highly selective colleges (Ivies, NESCACs) want to see AP Physics, or if I could get away with AP Environmental Science instead (something I would much rather do). Thanks!
Typically at least one each of biology, chemistry, and physics (not necessarily all at the advanced or AP level); the most selective ones may want to see one or more at the advanced or AP level as well. Check each school’s web site for its recommendations.
However, AP physics is usually seen as a more rigorous course than AP environmental science.
I took AP Environmental Science my junior year paired with honors anatomy (a prerequisite for AP Bio) and it was quite easy. My final grade in the class was a 97 and I got a 4 on the exam. This year I take AP Bio and honors physics (not AP). I think that if there’s a way to take both you should do that. However, I think it is more important to take a physics class.
Correct. However, OP already had the first year physics course, so that’s covered. If the GC will rate the schedule as “most demanding” on the Secondary School report with APES, that would be fine. However, note that many top colleges give no AP credit for APES.
AP Physics is the way to go. I’m surprised you were allowed to do straight AP Bio without any pre-req Bio in HS. Nevertheless, you should pick up AP Physics. If you really want to do APES and can do both, then give it a shot!
AP Chem and Physics for me next year, gonna be hell.
Cure for Cancer 101 will boost your chances to 50%, and the hands on Curing Cancer 109 should guarantee admission.
On a serious not, AP Physics C, AP Chem, and AP Bio. Get at least 1, preferably 2. AP Physics B is okay as well, depending on your school.
All of the sciences are good, but chemistry and physics are considered the most difficult & rigorous
Was your intro physics course a year long course in physics? If not, then I think you need to take physics. My D is a senior. She has already taken Bio Honors, then Chem Honors, then AP Chem, and now senior year she is taking AP Bio and Physics Honors (her school doesn’t offer AP Physics). Her Physics Honors case is a breeze because it’s not Calculus based, but again it’s all that’s offered.