Will not taking physics in high school hurt my chances?

[skieurope]

@tarator

From Harvard’s website:

“An ideal four-year preparatory program includes four years of English, with extensive practice in writing; four years of math; four years of science: biology, chemistry, physics…”

Although the plural of anecdote is not data, FWIW, I got into Harvard with no biology. Admittedly not ideal, and there were valid reasons behind it, but Harvard’s recommendations are not requirements. Particularly if there were valid reasons. A valid reason not being a preference. However, if OP is doing IBDP, I really doubt that not having physics will be the deciding factor.