AP Environmental Science vs on level physics

[Anonymous]

Current Sophomore is debating between these two classes for next year. They are already committed to 2 other AP classes (did their first this year and it’s going Okay).
Math and science are their weakest subjects. Will be taking on level Algebra 2 next year as well.
Looking for advice from those whose kids have taken either of these classes or even better, counselors or current teachers of these subjects.
Thanks!

[Anonymous]

The feedback I have gotten when I asked about my kid, is that physics is a core course and an expectation to see on the transcript of a kid who is reasonably prepared for college.

[Anonymous]

You should take 4 years of science, in any order.

For example:

Biology
Chemistry
Physics, or Astronomy with Physics
AP Environmental Science

https://coursebulletin.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/CourseLists/Index/182

Non-AP Physics has very little math in it.

[Anonymous]

APES isn’t an “easy” class for a kid who is weak in math and science. There’s a lot of reading and kids need to be comfortable with applying math in various situations.

I would suggest Physics in 11th to meet required credits, then try APES in 12th.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The feedback I have gotten when I asked about my kid, is that physics is a core course and an expectation to see on the transcript of a kid who is reasonably prepared for college.

My kid at a top 5 college never took physics. Honors bio. Honors chem, APES and AP stats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The feedback I have gotten when I asked about my kid, is that physics is a core course and an expectation to see on the transcript of a kid who is reasonably prepared for college.

My kid at a top 5 college never took physics. Honors bio. Honors chem, APES and AP stats.

Major? Only three sciences (and not including physics) tends to get noticed by admissions committees, and not in a good way.

[Anonymous]

If the HS offers AP Physics 1 & 2 (algebra based) vs AP Physics C (calc based), that could be a good option. AP Phys C is covered over two semester.

I'm not sure if AP Phys 1 & 2 are semester long courses, but I presume they are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The feedback I have gotten when I asked about my kid, is that physics is a core course and an expectation to see on the transcript of a kid who is reasonably prepared for college.

My kid at a top 5 college never took physics. Honors bio. Honors chem, APES and AP stats.

Statistics is not a science course.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the HS offers AP Physics 1 & 2 (algebra based) vs AP Physics C (calc based), that could be a good option. AP Phys C is covered over two semester.

I'm not sure if AP Phys 1 & 2 are semester long courses, but I presume they are.

Ugh, no. Not for a kid taking on level Algebra 2. AP Physics 1 is a pretty hard class. Kids need to be able to apply algebraic concepts in abstract situations. A student in the on level math track doesn’t have those skills yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should take 4 years of science, in any order.

For example:

Biology
Chemistry
Physics, or Astronomy with Physics
AP Environmental Science

https://coursebulletin.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/CourseLists/Index/182

Non-AP Physics has very little math in it.

Honors Physics does have math.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, this is good feedback! AP Physics is definitely not an option they are considering. Possibly honors physics but we are advocating for on level and consider APES for senior year.

[Anonymous]

Get the physics over with to check off the requirement. Then consider APES for senior year if he's interested in it.

[Anonymous]

APES is much more work than Honors Physics at our school. On level physics is really easy but Honors Physics isn’t very hard and less work than Honors Chem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:APES is much more work than Honors Physics at our school. On level physics is really easy but Honors Physics isn’t very hard and less work than Honors Chem.

If your kid survived Hon Chem, they could find Hon Physics doable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APES is much more work than Honors Physics at our school. On level physics is really easy but Honors Physics isn’t very hard and less work than Honors Chem.

If your kid survived Hon Chem, they could find Hon Physics doable.

Honors Chem has been the bane of our family’s existence this semester, kid is moving to on level for the second semester. Their school has a reputation for making Honors Chem unbearable.