Balancing Math and Physics: How Do I Plan My Schedule for a Double Major?

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A junior in high school recently celebrated their admission to Harvard and seeks guidance on balancing a double major in math and physics. They are particularly interested in how to effectively schedule their classes during the first few years and how to approach retaking courses in subjects they are already familiar with. Responses indicate that having AP or IB credits can provide more flexibility in scheduling, allowing for easier management of a double major. It is noted that Harvard may require general education classes regardless of prior credits. Generally, double majoring in math and physics is considered manageable, typically requiring only a few additional math courses beyond the physics major.
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I am a junior in high school right now, and I applied to university. I got admitted to Harvard today :biggrin: so I'm rather excited.

The thing is, I have done little research about balancing math and physics -- I want to do both, but I don't know how people normally balance their schedules.

Basically, I want to know how people normally plot out their schedules for their first few years doing both math and physics. In addition, I need advice on taking classes whose material I already know. That is, how can I decide which classes to "retake" in both the math and the physics tracks?

Thanks for your advice!
 
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Saketh said:
I am a junior in high school right now, and I applied to university. I got admitted to Harvard today :biggrin: so I'm rather excited.

The thing is, I have done little research about balancing math and physics -- I want to do both, but I don't know how people normally balance their schedules.

Basically, I want to know how people normally plot out their schedules for their first few years doing both math and physics. In addition, I need advice on taking classes whose material I already know. That is, how can I decide which classes to "retake" in both the math and the physics tracks?

Thanks for your advice!

well, if you come in with a lot of AP/IB credit, then you have more space in your schedule for the double major. ...i think harvard will make you take some of their general ed classes, though, regardless of how you did on the AP/IB exams.

not sure about harvard specifically, but it seems that in most schools, double majoring in math and physics isn't too bad. you just take maybe three more math classes than you would have needed to than just majoring in physics.
 
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