organic chemistry or advanced physics II

[Anonymous]

DC (not planning on engineering) is choosing between Organic Chemistry and Advanced Physics II— unfortunately can’t take both. Completed Advanced Physics I and Calculus BC, and will be taking Multivariable Calculus in the fall. Advanced Physics II feels like the natural continuation. But which of the two is typically viewed as more rigorous by college admissions? DC doesn’t have a strong preference either way, trying to consider how this might be perceived academically.

[Anonymous]

Has your kid taken AP Chem?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC (not planning on engineering) is choosing between Organic Chemistry and Advanced Physics II— unfortunately can’t take both. Completed Advanced Physics I and Calculus BC, and will be taking Multivariable Calculus in the fall. Advanced Physics II feels like the natural continuation. But which of the two is typically viewed as more rigorous by college admissions? DC doesn’t have a strong preference either way, trying to consider how this might be perceived academically.

Yikes. How are their EC’s?

[Anonymous]

Relax and take them in college. There is no rush. Orgo in particular is a core fundamental course that I would want to take at the college I am attending. It sounds like your child is well ahead of them self and has absolutely nothing to prove at this point.

[Anonymous]

What HS is this? This is super accelerated. Schools are impressed to some extent by acceleration, but at some point it gets to be overkill. I know you want your child to be challenged but there is no rush.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC (not planning on engineering) is choosing between Organic Chemistry and Advanced Physics II— unfortunately can’t take both. Completed Advanced Physics I and Calculus BC, and will be taking Multivariable Calculus in the fall. Advanced Physics II feels like the natural continuation. But which of the two is typically viewed as more rigorous by college admissions? DC doesn’t have a strong preference either way, trying to consider how this might be perceived academically.

Humblebrag much?

[Anonymous]

What is Advanced Physics 2? AP Physics 2?

What school?

Why Advanced Physics 2 instead of AP Physics C?

Both of these courses are at the highest level of rigorous science classes for college admissions.

[Anonymous]

Whichever interests them more. One of my kids attended a specialized stem school run by state and had a few obscure (for HS) advanced science courses. They did very well in admissions, but it wasn’t a slam dunk that they were in awe of rigor like I hoped haha.

[Anonymous]

Take on leadership roles and focus on EC’s. Any sports involvement? If not, try to get them involved in one this year. The academics already look great with regard to courses taken. Sometimes too much may look like too much and may not necessarily be a positive. IMHO

[Anonymous]

What are these equating to? Do you know any of the curricular elements?

Also, know that no matter what, they’re likely retaking both of these in college anyway- almost no college is going to let you skip organic chemistry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Take on leadership roles and focus on EC’s. Any sports involvement? If not, try to get them involved in one this year. The academics already look great with regard to courses taken. Sometimes too much may look like too much and may not necessarily be a positive. IMHO

Totally agree. This really sounds like overkill. My guess is that they are at some sort of magnet school where a lot of kids do this and you feel dumb if you aren't, but it isn't normal. At some point it almost becomes too much, as the poster above noted.

You might be thinking of taking some of these classes at local colleges. But I would still wait and take them at the university they are going to. Even if the local colleges are top tier schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Take on leadership roles and focus on EC’s. Any sports involvement? If not, try to get them involved in one this year. The academics already look great with regard to courses taken. Sometimes too much may look like too much and may not necessarily be a positive. IMHO

Totally agree. This really sounds like overkill. My guess is that they are at some sort of magnet school where a lot of kids do this and you feel dumb if you aren't, but it isn't normal. At some point it almost becomes too much, as the poster above noted.

You might be thinking of taking some of these classes at local colleges. But I would still wait and take them at the university they are going to. Even if the local colleges are top tier schools.

Even for a magnet school, this is pretty damned advanced. The naming of the courses suggests private academy.

[Anonymous]

I already posted about mine taking super advanced course, they had loads of leadership and impressive EC’s. They got into 3 ivies and other top schools, but also had several top school rejections. I just don’t think the course choice will matter, it’s all the other stuff. They’ve passed the bar of academic rigor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I already posted about mine taking super advanced course, they had loads of leadership and impressive EC’s. They got into 3 ivies and other top schools, but also had several top school rejections. I just don’t think the course choice will matter, it’s all the other stuff. They’ve passed the bar of academic rigor.

Are you willing to name the schools to which he/she was accepted or rejected ?

[Anonymous]

Orgasmic Chemistry sounds more interesting than Advanced Physics 2.