<p>One of my teachers told me that top schools (HPYS) prefer to see all three sciences on your transcript. He (a chemistry teacher) specifically said that colleges like to see physics on an applicant’s transcripts because of the course’s rigor. </p>
<p>I’ve taken bio and will graduate with three years of chemistry, two of them IB SL and HL chem. My Chem teacher’s words have motivated me to take AP Physics C next year instead of AP statistics. </p>
<p>Does anyone have any comments on my teacher’s claim? Is it a valid concern, and would not having physics really affect my shot at admission at top schools?</p>
<p>Wow three years of chemistry…go figure; I’ll never take three years of one subject in high school…I lack the attention span and diligence.</p>
<p>With that said, I do suggest that you have physics since it’s an important subject (considering that you seem to be a science type, having 3 years of chem); it isn’t a prerequisite towards admissions but PHYSICS > STATISTICS.</p>
<p>Well, I think it’s true, just because colleges want you to have completed all 3 core sciences so that you’re academically prepared-- it isn’t a requirement, but it’s recommended.</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary to see all three sciences, especially since you’ve had so much chemistry, but I seriously recommend you take Physics C over Statistics. For one, Physics C is viewed as a slightly more prestigious class, and two, you’ll find that AP Stat doesn’t teach you much application, only the methods and formulas. Would you rather learn Physics, or would you rather be stuck drawing graphs and crunching numbers for three hours every night? :P</p>