Is HS physics necessary [for prospective biology major]

Applying to College
12

I would also encourage physics over AP bio.

I am not sure what schools are ‘Tier 2’, but for every thread where someone questions the need for HS physics, I show the Wesleyan data (they are the only school who shows this AFAIK.)

Class of 2027 Profile

Profile of Students Offered Admission for Fall 2023

  • HS Preparation:
    • 85% have taken calculus
    • 80% have taken biology, chemistry and physics
    • 78% have a fourth year (or equivalent) of one foreign language

So, 80% of admitted students had taken BCP in HS, and Wesleyan is not known to be “STEM-y” (although they have very good STEM offerings). As I said, most schools aren’t transparent with this data point, but if Wesleyan has this high of a rate of BCP in HS, I expect similar colleges have similar preferences (but we can’t know for sure.)

ETA: Has your D asked her HS college counselor what she should take next year?

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