Will not taking physics in high school hurt my chances?

I am a rising junior in high school. My school offers the IB diploma where you can choose to replace one of your art classes with two science classes. The classes are all two years long through 11th and 12th grade. The three options are biology, chemistry, and physics. I have taken honors biology and chemistry in 10th grade. I really liked those subjects and am very interested in biology and chemistry as a major/career, so I chose to do IB biology and chemistry. I have heard that colleges want you to take physics in high school. I want to go to a prestigious college like Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, or MIT and I also want to major in biology and become a researcher. Will not taking physics hurt me in college admissions? Does it matter as long as I am taking the hard courses that also interest me? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

Biology and chemistry majors need to take physics in college. College physics courses may recommend high school physics as a prerequisite.

If you want to go to those schools, better take a high level physics class.

From Harvard’s website:

“An ideal four-year preparatory program includes four years of English, with extensive practice in writing; four years of math; four years of science: biology, chemistry, physics…”

That’s only bare minimum for those schools. LOL

1 Like

The issue you will have is your application will be evaluated alongside those of students who took all three and potentially one, or two, additional advanced classes like AP or IB. Colleges like to see students explore their own interests but only AFTER meeting the minimum “suggestions” (which are really requirements).

2 Likes

Physics is the foundation of all natural sciences. You won’t be able to avoid it completely if you wish to study any of the other natural sciences beyond some superficial level.

It depends on what else you bring to the school.

Although the plural of anecdote is not data, FWIW, I got into Harvard with no biology. Admittedly not ideal, and there were valid reasons behind it, but Harvard’s recommendations are not requirements. Particularly if there were valid reasons. A valid reason not being a preference. However, if OP is doing IBDP, I really doubt that not having physics will be the deciding factor.

2 Likes

I understand that IBDP dilemma. I think in that context, it’s fine. Are you doing HL in both Bio and Chem?

In my case, I am taking biology and chemistry out of preference. There isn’t really any other reason. I plan to take both of those classes on an HL level. Is not taking physics just based on preference something that I should worry about? Do you know of any alternative like taking a summer course that would work? Thanks for any help you can give.

As I also said, “However, if OP is doing IBDP, I really doubt that not having physics will be the deciding factor” particular since you are doing bio and chem HL.

Ok, thanks for your help.