Physics with Calc for HS senior planning on Physics major?

[skieurope]

We’ve heard of some colleges where getting into the honors or top-level physics sequence requires having taken the AP Physics C tests (not to pass out of it, just as prep). If he ends up committing to a college like that, he can prep a bit and take the AP tests next May.

Perhaps you are referring to Physics 61-65 at Stanford, which lists “Recommended prerequisites: Mastery of mechanics at the level of AP Physics C and AP Calculus BC or equivalent.”?

Same with Harvard with Physics 16:

Prerequisite: Score of 5 on the mechanics section of the Physics C Advanced Placement exam, or equivalent. Mathematics preparation at least at the level of Mathematics 21a taken concurrently is required. Thorough knowledge of calculus of one variable and vectors plus some mathematical sophistication. The mathematical level will be significantly higher than that of Physics 15a.

However, many, many physics and engineering majors takes the non-honors version and do just fine in college and in life. Not being able to get into the top-level physics class in college is not a reason that I, personally, would worry about.