<p>I am currently a junior in high school. I am interested in attending UVA and studying Engineering. I know that UVA recommends Biology, Physics, and Chemistry for engineers but I have an issue. My high school offers a regular Physics course, no AP, but it is often not actually offered because of lack of student interest. My local community college also does not offer a Physics course, so that is not an option. Would a situation like this prevent me from being able to get in to the Engineering program, assuming that the rest of my application was acceptable?</p>
<p>Admissions can’t penalize you for something beyond your control. Take all the other science and mathematics courses offered at your school, and just have your guidance counselor make mention of the fact that your school doesn’t offer physics regularly. </p>
<p>Recommended, not required. There are other options, if you want to take physics. Things like BYU, EPGY, maybe CTY. Not a problem if you want to just wait until college, as @110percentwahoo points out.</p>
<p>Almost all of the other students will have taken a year of physics, so it would be valuable to have taken it before you start college. The UVa intro physics class will assume you had it in high school, because it is standard curriculum at most high schools for college prep students. Look for an affordable online class, if other options are not available. You might even audit a college class to save money. </p>
<p>You may also be able to lobby fellow students to specifically request as an organized group that physics be offered next year. If the principal won’t listen, threaten to show up as a group at the next school board meeting to make the request. </p>
<p>Some high schools also offer teleconferencing classes where one teacher teaches students at two different schools at the same time.</p>
<p>You need to take Physics in high school. Do you live in Virginia? If so, ask your counselor about Virtual Virginia - Honors Physics is available. </p>