AP Chemistry [versus more advanced physics after AP physics C] and Engineering

MirandaKnight
Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:45:28 +0000

tamagotchi:

The choice is between AP Chem and a higher level post-AP physics class. Between these two options, I am not sure why you feel that AP Chem would be perceived as higher rigor or more impressive.

It’s not about higher rigor or more impressive but rather about a lack of breadth. I am not and admissions officer as I said but I personally would favor the student who has AP Chemistry if I were looking purely at students who are looking to major in engineering because doing so indicates the student will likely be able to handle both chemistry and physics at the university level. Honors Chemistry doesn’t demonstrate this adequately in my view since it’s really an introductory level science course that freshmen and sophomore often have to take. Yes, in some schools it’s a hard course but in those schools the AP version would likely be even harder.

i think people are getting side-tracked by MIT and its requirements but MIT does not admit students by major. What do engineering programs that admit students into engineering recommend students take? I expect many would recommend Calculus, Honors Physics and Honors Chemistry at a minimum if they are available to the student though I could be mistaken. It’s not just math and physics. In which case I would expect they like seeing students demonstrate proficiency in all three subjects not just two of them. Would they accept a student who demonstrates only proficiency in math and physics? Yes sure not saying otherwise but again it’s like anything. They may only recommend at least 3 years of social science but the 4th doesn’t hurt.