I have AP physics credit, but does it look better to take it in college

[Wiscobadger13]

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I'm in my junior year and getting ready to apply to medical school at the end of this year. I currently have all my pre-reqs done, but I am using AP-physics as my physics requirement. I realized that I would be taking physics later than most if I started next semester, but most medical schools say that as long as they are done before matriculation, it doesn't matter when you take them.

I currently have a great application with a high GPA, high level courses, lots of volunteer work, and hopefully soon a good MCAT score.

I am curious what people know about medical school preferences for physics? I know that some schools flat out don't accept it, but for the ones that do, would it still help to retake physics in college?

 

[CuttingCorneas]

If you think it'll contribute to your BCPM, go for it. If not, no.

Plus, some schools don't take AP. Remember to take that into consideration.

 

[Neurosis]

I had the same issue with AP Biology credit, in the end I just ended up repeating the class anyway. Personally, I think, unless you're going to take some upper level physics classes then it would be wiser to just repeat the physics as some med schools don't take AP credit for science prerequisites. Besides, just think of how well prepared you will be for the class, it's an easy A right there.

 

[ChrisPaul3]

I had AP credit for a semester of physics, and none of the schools I applied to had a problem with it. It seems that physics is one subject that almost every school accepts, in fact it is the only science course that Cornell accepts AP credit for.

 

[Sephiroth]

I know a couple of the UC's don't take AP for physics, so if you want to go there retake it. Otherwise, it shouldn't matter most places. Like others have said, if you're pretty sure you can get an A and want a BCPM gpa boost, take it.

 

[eHombre]

Don't waste your time retaking physics. As the ChrisPaul poster said, almost every school will take AP physics. If you have credits to spare, and particularly if you're at a public institution, spend your senior year taking swimming or tennis or art appreciation.