Do I really need physics to get into a good college? ?

Question

Im a junior in high school to be a senoir in september. I have been looking at such colleges as U Penn and I want to major in psychology. Do I have to take physics to get accepted.

Answer 1

I didn't take Physics and got into Clemson (as a Computer Science major no less). I don't see why you'd need it, particularly if you're going to be a Psychology major. Just make sure you meet the lab sciences requirements to get into the college. You could probably find specific information on what high school curriculum you need by looking around specific school's websites. They'll probably be listed under the freshman admission requirements.

Answer 2

The top schools like UPenn do tend to want four years of science. Although Penn doesn't specifically state exactly what they recommend in science from applicants, a comparable school, Harvard, does, so I will quote them:

"There is no single academic path we expect all students to follow, but the strongest applicants take the most rigorous secondary school curricula available to them. 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, and an advanced course in one of these subjects; three years of history, including American and European history; and four years of one foreign language."

So in reality, you don't *have* to take physics in order to be accepted, but it's strongly recommended that you do so. Still, if the rest of your application is 100% on target for a school like Penn, you may get in without it. Maybe.

Knowing all that... I'd suggest you take physics. If you know you're going to struggle in that class, make sure you keep up with all your work, and go to the teacher frequently for extra help.  

Answer 3

Oh hunni, NO! Not to get accepted. If they want you to have physics once you are in college, they will require you to take it before you graduate with your degree. A lot of the times, chemistry is a substitute for physics. You definitely do not need physics to get into the school of psych in college. Just your great personality and acceptable grades. Good luck

Answer 4

I took it in high school, and I never, ever saw it again.  If I remember correctly, I saw almost nothing in college entrance exams.  So, I would say no.  Of course, this also depends on what you want to study.  If you know you are going to eventually see this course in college, then I would say take the class.  You definitely do not want to take it in college without some prior knowledge.  Good luck!