Physics or Environmental Science for Senior Year?

[Anonymous]

Is one seen as more rigorous? This is a private HS with no APs or Honors.
DC has a preference for ES but if Physics is better for rigor, will take that instead.
Stats are 3.9 GPA/ 1500 SAT, 4 AP tests with 4 or 5 (outside of school).

[Anonymous]

Physics is considered more rigorous.

[Anonymous]

Definitely physics if not previously completed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely physics if not previously completed.

Yes, agreed. If physics is done, then ES over a second physics class makes sense. If not, definitely physics.

[Anonymous]

What was their junior science?

[Anonymous]

What does their counselor say?

[Anonymous]

Junior science was psychology (which fits in with the area of study DC is pursuing and will take AP test in May). No feedback from counselor yet.

[Anonymous]

Word among students is that ES is much easier (if we are talking about AP classes). Maybe it's different at your DC's school because they are not AP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Junior science was psychology (which fits in with the area of study DC is pursuing and will take AP test in May). No feedback from counselor yet.

Usually psychology is considered a social science.

Physics is considered a standard part of the curriculum.

[Anonymous]

Depending on the teacher, ES can be a harder course w a lot more memorization etc (higher cognitive load),

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Junior science was psychology (which fits in with the area of study DC is pursuing and will take AP test in May). No feedback from counselor yet.

Usually psychology is considered a social science.

Physics is considered a standard part of the curriculum.

Psychology is not considered a science by most colleges. It is within the social studies group -- like history, government, sociology, etc. If your student has not yet taken physics and is aiming for a more selective college, then they should take physics in their senior year.

[Anonymous]

Physics is generally considered more rigorous than Envi Sci, and that is the way most (not all) College Admissions folks will view it.

That said, at a particular school with a particular teacher, either one might be more difficult than the other. Also, if one were going for an Envi Sci major (and explicitly said that in one's application) and one already had taken some kind of Physics, then Envi Sci could round-out the package.

[Anonymous]

Bio, Chem and Phsyics are the three most respected sciences with Physics being considered the most challenging.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bio, Chem and Phsyics are the three most respected sciences with Physics being considered the most challenging.

This is OP. DC did Bio freshman year and Chem as a sophomore. I guess Physics is needed to check the science rigor box.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Junior science was psychology (which fits in with the area of study DC is pursuing and will take AP test in May). No feedback from counselor yet.

Usually psychology is considered a social science.

Physics is considered a standard part of the curriculum.

+1 AP Psych does not count as the required science at our school. Everyone takes regular physics in 10th and then AP Physics C senior year if they plan to study engineering.