Pls Advise–My senior has signed up AP Physics C this year and wants to switch to AP stats. His other subjects are AP English, AP Biology, AP Calculus BC, AP US Govt, AP computer Science. His counsellor has given him 24hrs to think about it. He had taken AP Physics last year with the same teacher and does not feel very confident in her class. Any advise will be greatly apprecai
What does he want to major in and what schools is he applying to?
The classes are complete polar opposites -Physics C E&M is probably the hardest AP class there is, while AP Stats is one of the easier classes. His schedule does look quite difficult already but then again are there a lot of other kids in his school taking 6 AP classes? I will say, contrary to what others will say, being able to handle 6 tough AP classes (4 of the 6 are really tough) will be very impressive to AOs. When you say “does not feel very confident” what does that mean? That he won’t get an A+? That he won’t pass?
I’m confused. He took AP physics last year and is taking it again?
If your goal is college credit, take a look at the schools your S is looking at and how they handle AP credits and course equivalencies. Some may only give credit for one AP physics test. Others may not accept AP Stats (my S’s college gave him elective credit for AP stats but not a course equivalency).
AP Physics C will be much harder than AP Stats. AP Calc BC can be easy or hard depending on the class and a kid’s innate ability, and AP Biology favors kids who can memorize a lot of information. Given that constellation, your son might be better off switching unless he finds math very easy (Calc BC is not conceptually difficult).
I assume the OP’s kid took AP Physics 1 last year.
AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Physics C: E&M, AP Physics 1, and AP Physics 2 are all separate tests. Almost all colleges that give credit will give it for both Mech and E&M. Some might give credit for Physics 1 & Physics 2, but few will give credit for more than 2 tests.
You forgot the subordinate clause “and do well.” Taking 6 APs and having the GPA tank will not do any favors. Also, one need to remember the hidden class in the Fall - College Applications and Essays. Students and parents alomost always underestimate the time required.
Kinda answers the original question. The student should take the most rigorous courseload he can handle. If he can handle it, then fine. If not, make adjustments. Speaking as a STEM mjaor, and from experience with AP Physics C, the class kicks most students’ butts.
That’s why I asked what schools he is applying to. If it’s the UCs, grades don’t matter in 12th grade unless he gets Cs.
If he didn’t feel confident with this teacher before, it’s unlikely he will find Physics C easier. I think he should probably take AP Stats. Or better yet something that’s not an AP course at all. Six APs is a crazy schedule.
I’d take stats. I’m not a fan of taking two sciences in HS at the same time, especially if he doesn’t feel confident with physics. He will need time for college applications during the year so no reason to be overwhelmed with coursework.
If your S is aiming for top tier colleges he may want to just confirm with his guidance counselor that he/she will still check the box in the college recommendation saying he has taken the most rigorous schedule available at the HS (which I suspect would still be the case) if he switches to AP Stat.
As usual, not enough info. Not just what colleges, but does he have experience with such a heavy load, any reason to think he can manage 5 or 6 AP now? Other than some few that don’t look at senior grades for admit decisions, the grade success does matter. And his time to manage courses, ECs, applications…and life.
All depends on his long term goals on what he wants to study and what type of school he is trying to get into.
Honestly I would say take neither unless he thinks Stats would be useful in his major/career.
He has a math, science, english, and social studies.
He also has to 1) apply to colleges this fall 2) deal with senioritis 3) Be able to study to get good scores on AP tests
Even Stanford says:
We expect applicants to pursue a reasonably challenging curriculum, choosing courses from among the most demanding courses available at your school. We ask you to exercise good judgment and to consult with your counselor, teachers and parents as you construct a curriculum that is right for you. Our hope is that your curriculum will inspire you to develop your intellectual passions, not suffer from unnecessary stress. The students who thrive at Stanford are those who are genuinely excited about learning, not necessarily those who take every single AP or IB, Honors or Accelerated class just because it has that designation.
I agree with @bopper, 5 AP classes is plenty for senior year.
That’s a rough schedule. At my son’s school, they normally only allow 4 APs senior year, and 5 if you petition for it. My S is taking the same load as your son, minus the comp. sci, and it’s going to be tough with just the 5 APs. My D took AP Bio, APLit, BC Calc, Physics C and an honors IR class senior year. She said that Bio was a ton of work and Physics C was really hard. Physics C is one of the only AP classes that covers an entire year of college coursework (I think Bio is the other one). If your son is planning on going into engineering though, I recommend taking Physics C over Statistics, as it will be good prep for college physics (or he may even place out of the requirements). I don’t think AP stats will get him any credit as an engineer, because engineering statistics is different.
What does he want to study in college, any idea? I’m leaning towards neither of those, unless he has a strong idea of a major. He is already taking a math and a science, and his overall course selection is nicely rounded. If he is going to be an engineer/scientist, and the AP Physics teacher is not so great, he might be better off waiting to take a higher quality class in college. AP Stats is fine, but Calc BC is definitely the leader of the two in the math department, and he is already taking that.
I’d have him take a fun or creative elective. A third option would be some kind of economics or business class. Or an independent study, working on his own project under the mentorship of a teacher (if your school offers that).
Stats sounds like the course of choice since he disliked aspects of his other AP physics course. Getting some statistics is good and he will either need more or have the basics for his future.
Do NOT worry about course rigor- he has enough AP’s to count for most rigor. Son’s HS only offered the first AP physics class, he did the honors version at his top tier U and was fine. He did get B’s in AP stats because he had zeroes on homework and 100% on all tests (5 on AP exam). Do not worry about “too many” AP courses either. Some kids thrive on them and they are merely average-college level courses, not the level of the schools he hopefully is applying to.
Never worry about “too many” AP courses. His HS doesn’t and therefore it is not unusual. He likely has been taught well in other courses and will be prepared for his senior classes.
Is he set for foreign language requirements at the schools to which he is applying?