A ONE Institute
Aug 14, 2024
Today, I’ll discuss strategies and planning for AP Science courses, especially considering the limitations imposed by online high school enrollment.
The AP Science curriculum may seem straightforward due to the limited number of courses available, but school-specific restrictions often make it necessary to develop tailored plans and strategies. Toward the end of this post, I’ll introduce the actual science track of a student admitted to MIT Engineering.
AP Science Courses
The AP Science curriculum includes:
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Physics 1/2/C (Mechanics)/C (Electricity and Magnetism)
AP Environmental Science
Among these, the fewest students score a 5 on the AP Physics exam. Despite its difficulty, colleges prefer students who take rigorous courses, so it’s crucial for students preparing for STEM fields to take Physics to make a strong impact.
AP Course Enrollment Restrictions in High Schools
Many high schools have restrictions on taking AP courses.
Restriction 1: Some schools do not allow students to take AP courses until their junior (11th grade) or senior (12th grade) years. This creates a challenge, as students must complete their science courses within two years.
Restriction 2: Another common restriction requires students to continue with the same subject area they took in the previous year. For instance, if a student took AP Chemistry, they might not be allowed to switch to Biology or Physics the following year and must continue with Chemistry.
Restriction 3: Some schools prohibit taking more than one science course in a single academic year.
Strategy for Schools with Restriction 1 and Restriction 3
For students attending schools that impose both Restriction 1 and Restriction 3,
here’s a potential science track example:
If AP courses are not allowed in 9th and 10th grades, and double science courses are also prohibited, students can take one AP science course in 11th grade and another in 12th grade.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do non-STEM students need to take AP Science courses? My answer is: "Even if you’re not pursuing a STEM major, it’s beneficial to have at least one or two STEM-related AP courses under your belt."
This track would suffice for non-STEM students, though it might be slightly lacking for STEM students. Ideally, STEM students should prioritize Physics over Biology.
AP Science Strategy for STEM Students
Given that AP course enrollment is restricted in 9th and 10th grades, here are three options for STEM students:
Self-study and take the exam in May.
Enroll in external online courses and take the exam in May.
Take a course independently and then sit for the exam in May.
If a student chooses one of these three options, various factors, such as whether the course will be reflected on their transcript, come into play. However, it’s crucial to take the initiative to study externally.
For instance, if a student self-studies AP Physics 1 in 10th grade and takes AP Chemistry in 11th grade and AP Biology in 12th grade at school, they will be recognized as having studied across three scientific disciplines, which would make a stronger academic impact.
Taking Physics C, which includes two subjects, can also enhance the student's profile.
Strategies for Schools with Restriction 1 and Restriction 2 (No Restriction 3)
For students at schools that impose only Restriction 1 and Restriction 2 (no Restriction 3), the science track might look like this:
If AP courses are not allowed in 9th grade, a student might take AP Physics 1 and Chemistry Honors in 10th grade, AP Chemistry and AP Physics C in 11th grade, and AP Biology and AP Environmental Science in 12th grade.
If both 9th and 10th grades have AP restrictions, a student might take Biology Honors in 10th grade, AP Biology in 11th grade, and AP Chemistry in 12th grade. However, this track is not ideal because it lacks Physics. Ignoring course rigor, even in 12th grade, can be detrimental.
For Schools with No Restrictions
Some magnet or top-tier high schools may have no restrictions on AP science courses. In this case, what’s the ideal track?
A typical track might look like this:
9th grade: Physics Honors
10th grade: AP Physics 1 and Chemistry Honors
11th grade: AP Physics C and AP Chemistry
12th grade: AP Biology and AP Environmental Science
If AP Physics C is offered, students often skip AP Physics 2 and proceed to AP Physics C in 11th grade.
Actual Science Track of an MIT Admit
Finally, let’s look at the actual science track of a student admitted to MIT:
The student attended a high school with both Restriction 1 and Restriction 2. They followed this science track:
9th grade: Biology Honors
10th grade: AP Biology and Physics Honors
11th grade: AP Physics 1 and Chemistry Honors
12th grade: AP Chemistry and AP Physics C
While the student also participated in music and research activities, this is a summary of their AP Science track.
When planning your science track, it’s crucial to tailor your strategy according to your high school’s restrictions. Keep in mind that showing your strengths requires careful planning, and a strategic approach to your four-year coursework is essential.
For further inquiries or detailed guidance on AP Science tracks, feel free to contact A-One Institute.
Thank you.