Is it really bad not to take physics?

[Anonymous]

My DC - rising senior - plans to major in a humanities/business type major. Not in the running for selective schools. Instead more like those ranked in 50-100 or higher in USNWR or mid-tier SLACs. DC had intended to take physics over the summer but had a conflict arise and does not have room in schedule to take it during the next school year (is taking APES instead and no more room in physics).

DC already has two lab sciences and with Astronomy and APES would still have two other sciences. Is it an absolute killer not to take physics for college admissions?

[Anonymous]

No, not really bad, given his plans.

[Anonymous]

I’d advise my child to take physics over AP ES for T50-100.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d advise my child to take physics over AP ES for T50-100.

This is good advice

[Anonymous]

Just know that some colleges don’t like these gaps in general knowledge and will mark you down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just know that some colleges don’t like these gaps in general knowledge and will mark you down.

So silly. If kid isn't going into hard core STEM, why??

[Anonymous]

I don’t think it’s disastrous, but it would be better to have all three basics, bio, chem, and physics. But agree with an earlier pp that given his interests and the schools you’re aiming for, it’s not the end of the world.

[Anonymous]

Physics is better than Apes. Take it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Physics is better than Apes. Take it.

OP said physics was full.

OP, I think physics would be better if it was doable, but I don’t think it’s so bad not to have it that your son should jump through a ton of hoops to try to squeeze it in if he can’t add it to his schedule next year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just know that some colleges don’t like these gaps in general knowledge and will mark you down.

So silly. If kid isn't going into hard core STEM, why??

Nothing hardcore about taking physics. It's about having a general education. I don't want physicists who have no education in history either.

[Anonymous]

I don't think it is a deal breaker if you apply to the right schools (ones where it doesn't matter.) My dd did not take it and most of her friends didn't either and while they didn't apply to top schools they all got in where they wanted with merit money. Different answer if your student is planning to do STEM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just know that some colleges don’t like these gaps in general knowledge and will mark you down.

So silly. If kid isn't going into hard core STEM, why??

Nothing hardcore about taking physics. It's about having a general education. I don't want physicists who have no education in history either.

How many physicists do you employ?

[Anonymous]

For schools in 50-100, it’s fine! I see many applications and transcripts and student who take APES do very well. GPA & rigor matter most.

[Anonymous]

Make sure to explain in the notes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Make sure to explain in the notes.

I don’t think that’s necessary. The student is taking four years of science, no need to highlight that they didn’t take physics or explain it.