AP Physics or AP Biology?

Np46201

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Jan 31, 2018
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So I am a current high school Junior and am in the application process to the academy. I was reading on the usafa website where it says the courses recommend for highschool, and for science there is chem, bio, physics etc listed. I am currently taking regular biology because my school requires it as a pre requisite to AP Bio, however I just recently found out that I would be able to waive the AP physics prerec because I am in advanced math. Point being, i have a choice for a science class senior year. I enjoy biology alot more than physics, and would likely receive a better grade, but I'm wondering if not having taken a phyics class will hurt my application in any way.
Thanks for any advice,
I apologise for typos, this was written on my phone.
 
In terms of the application, no one here can really say definitively how choosing bio over physics would affect your acceptance.

On the other hand, choosing one or the other could set you up for an easier time down the road, depending on which program you wish to pursue at the Academy. Check out the USAFA core curriculum, https://www.usafa.edu/app/uploads/Core_-Curriculum_Chart.pdf.

Cadets must take Physics 110 and then any 2 of the following classes Physics 215, Bio 215, and Chem 200.

Now, here is a list of all the courses that can be waived with AP test scores (at the bottom), https://www.academyadmissions.com/the-experience/academics/grading/.
(Actually, looking over this list, I'm fairly certain they've got the physics waiver requirements between 110 and 215 switched. Also, it says you can apply AP credit to Bio 315. Bio 315 is the same as Bio 215. It used to be a 300 level core course and the AP list has not yet been updated to reflect the shift to the 200 level.)

I'm not sure how AP Physics courses work, but if you can somehow knock out both AP Physics C Mech and AP Physics C Elec/Mag, then you will save yourself from two courses. If you take AP Bio, then you can at best test out of one course. In the time that I was at the Academy, core bio was WAY easier than core physics. Take that as you will.

One last thing, cadets who have declared a major will typically take a special intro class in their declared major that replaces the matching core requirement. As an example, aero majors would take Aero Engr 200 earlier and not need to take core Aero Engr 315 later. From my experience, this intro class for declared majors cannot be waived by AP scores. So if you wanted to major in Bio, you could not waive the intro to bio course for bio majors even though you could waive the core bio course. I don't think the physics department runs an intro to physics course for physics majors.

I'm sorry if I've given you way too much info that wasn't really pertinent to your original question. Good luck!
 
I would definitely recommend physics. Physics is one of the more difficult classes at the Academy and having a background in it should improve your life significantly when the time comes.
 
I HIGHLY recommend physics if USAFA is your plan. The intro to physics classes are no joke while bio was one of my easiest classes. I can't comment on how it will impact your application, but I can tell you that taking AP physics in high school (provided you have a decent physics teacher at your school) will make your life much easier at USAFA when you have to take physics while trying to balance everything else.
 
I believe Physics is required for entry to USAFA and USNA. That's how it was stated for 2018 candidates.

They require Recommendation from Physics and highest Math class teacher. USMA gives you an option for either Chem or Physics teacher recommendation. Bio is an optional class at all Academies except Air Force. I believe Bio is taken in 1C only at USAFA.

Conclusion, I recommend taking a Physics. You'll need it plus why take an unnecessary chance of not being qualified. Especially if you fear Physics it's better to take it now. You can take high school Physics. Doesn't have to be AP.
 
I don’t have familiarity with AP Physics- is it calculus-based (which is what engineering physics is) or typical algebra-based (i.e. set boundary conditions, typical of most high school physics).
 
I don’t have familiarity with AP Physics- is it calculus-based (which is what engineering physics is) or typical algebra-based (i.e. set boundary conditions, typical of most high school physics).
The AP Physics course at my high school is algebra based. Most students in it are taking pre-calc with a few in calculus.
 
Admissions website
https://www.academyadmissions.com/admissions/the-application-process/academic-performance/#PAR
says prior academic record should include:
  • "four years of science (lab-based and should include biology, chemistry and physics)"

    Since you have the bio covered, looks like admissions would like to see physics on your transcript senior year.
    Plus, like others are saying, if you haven't had any high school level physics, you will have a harder time with Physics 110 your 4* year.
 
AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C (Mec, Calc based)

What would y’all recommend? I have the option to take either and I will be in BC Calc next year if that matters at all
 
AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C (Mec, Calc based)

What would y’all recommend? I have the option to take either and I will be in BC Calc next year if that matters at all

In my HS, typically folks taking AP Physics (was it C?)would have already taken AP Calc AB the year before and took AP Physics B (trig based, right) the year before. They would be taking AP Physics C while in AP Physics BC.

Typically folks got AP Bio out of the way earlier in HS, then AP Chem and rounded it out with AP Physics junior or senior years.

That’s increasingly dated, though, so I’m not even sure of those classes are designed the same way.
 
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