High School classes

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rodatboat

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Apr 25, 2017
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Am I required to take physics in HS to get accepted into the academy? I took two years of chemistry
 
USNAMA2022hopefull said:
I've heard that admissions likes AP Chemistry and AP physics and I believe they recommend at least 1 year of it.
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I'm taking AP Chemistry this year and took regular chemistry my sophomore year. I'm currently choosing my classes for my senior year. At my school Physics is very tough and most people end up with C's and B's. I'm not sure if I should take it
 
I am not sure of the "requirements" for admission but I am pretty sure you will have to take it at the academy. Having some background of physics is always good. I have worked in high school guidance offices and now in a large private college admissions office. Most colleges have a strong preference to physics on the hs transcript. My recommendation is to take physics, study hard, work with your peers and teacher to understand it and you will be better off haven taken it. Remember with most college admissions they are looking for depth breadth in the students transcript.

"One useful approach to organizing and describing college-level learning is to think about the breadth and depth of the learning. Breadth of learning refers to the full span of knowledge of a subject. Depth of learning refers to the extent to which specific topics are focused upon, amplified and explored." unknown college admissions
 
Directly from USNA Admission's website (https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Steps-for-Admission/General-Advice-for-Grades-9-12.php):

When planning your high school curriculum, you should keep the following suggestions in mind:
  • 4 years of Math: Algebra I/II, Geometry, and Trigonometry (at a minimum) and Pre-Calculus or Calculus if offered.
  • 4 years of English
  • 2 years of a Foreign Language
  • 1 year each of Chemistry and Physics (with a lab if available)
  • 1 year of US History and 1 year of World or European History
  • Computer instruction is very helpful
  • We recommend Honors, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate courses if offered.
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I would highly recommend physics.
 
thealexro said:
At my school Physics is very tough and most people end up with C's and B's. I'm not sure if I should take it
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If your school offers physics, and you don't take it...it would likely be noted. Your decision not to take it because you are afraid of the grade would probably be more damaging. Easy answer, take the class and get an A. Running from a challenge is not the way to get into USNA.
 
thealexro said:
I'm taking AP Chemistry this year and took regular chemistry my sophomore year. I'm currently choosing my classes for my senior year. At my school Physics is very tough and most people end up with C's and B's. I'm not sure if I should take it
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Do you expect Physics to be any less tough at an SA, especially if you have no background in it?

I think you will be doing yourself a great disservice by not taking high school Physics if planning to apply to an SA or any college and pursue a STEM degree.
 
If you don't take chem, physics, and calc in HS, your academic time at any of the SAs will be tough. You need the foundation in all three. Even bull majors at USNA (I was a history major) take chem, calc, differential equations, physics, electrical engineering, and other engineering-lite courses.
 
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