Taking physics as a junior or a senior - does it matter?

froggerw
Thu, 28 Aug 2025 02:45:17 +0000

In our high school, the typical science sequence for college-bound students is biology as a freshman, chemistry as a sophomore, and physics as a junior. My perception has always been that selective colleges generally expect applicants to take all three of those, particularly for STEM fields. Does it matter when an applicant takes those courses? C27 (probably not a STEM major) is considering taking AP Environmental Science as a junior and leaving physics for senior year. Intuitively that seems fine to me since it’s still rigorous and demonstrates a willingness to be challenged (and they’re not skipping physics altogether), but I have a nagging feeling that a lot of selective schools will want to see physics completed before students apply. What do you think?