Classes
If your high school allows you to take AP Physics 1 without taking Regents Physics in your junior year (or sophomore), I would take that opportunity. This will let you take AP Physics C during your junior/senior year, which will give you the very basics of both mechanics and EM. Make sure that you at least take AP Calculus AB to be prepared for your placement exam (you’ll take this once you’ve been accepted to a university), and then your first calculus/algebra class.
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In high school, I took AP Physics 1 in 11th grade (junior year), and then AP Physics C in 12th grade (senior year - both mechanics and EM). AP Physics 1 is algebra-based, and goes over the basic principles and concepts along with a laboratory component. AP Physics C on the other hand is "calculus-based" in the sense that you need to know the very basics of calculus, and not much else. I took AP Calculus AB along with AP Physics C, which I found to be much easier, as I felt I had more intuition on problem solving.
Extra Curriculars
Here is where things are a bit ambiguous... You don’t have to actually take extra curricular activities that are physics related to be a physics major, or even to show how passionate you are about the subject. Sure, its nice to be able to say on your application that you did X, Y, Z, and got a prize for it, but I would take this time in high school to explore your other interests. You might not have the time to do so once you get to university. However, if you are really set on doing something physics/STEM related...
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Tutor! This is a great way to reinforce your skills and give you some confidence on material you’ve already learned. Besides, a little bit of extra spending cash never hurt anyone.
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Robotics Club. This might not be available to everyone, but my high school had a robotics club that went to tournaments and was very involved in competitions. Not directly physics-related, but still an amazing opportunity!
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Research/Summer Programs. Many universities offer high school summer intensive programs (usually 10-14 days). There is an application process, just like anything else. This is a great way to “test out” if you like what you plan to study or eventually do research in.
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Internships. Many large companies offer high school students internship opportunities as well, like NASA, NSA, SEAP, etc. Definitely something to look into so you won't be bored over your summer break.
Talk to your physics teacher
If anyone in high school can offer the best advice on how to pursue a degree in physics, it will be your physics teacher! They have lots of experience, as they too had to decide on physics as a career path, had research projects while in undergrad, and probably went through similar things to what you are going through at this moment. They might also know of additional opportunities for you to get some experience in the physics world. Just ask!
AP Exams
Something that allowed me to do a double major in Physics and Astronomy with a minor in Music is the fact that I had many AP credits that got me out of most of my general education requirements. I was able to take all of the required classes when they were given, and graduate on time. Am I saying that you have to take every AP class offered? Absolutely not. Does it make your college life slightly easier? Yes, but only slightly. You’ll have many more difficult classes to take regardless of how well you did on your AP exams. Depending on the college you end up going to, they might not even accept your AP credit, even if you got a 5, just because the school wants you to take their version of the class.
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To best prepare for the AP Physics exams, practice problems are key! Do as many as you can, and be very honest with yourself in terms of how well you really understand the material. Ask your teacher if there is anything you're stuck on, and form a study group with your friends as extra support. Review material can be found here:
Conferences
Attending a conference in high school is an excellent way to get acquainted with some of the current work in physics (or any other field) that's being done. You'll have the chance to speak to professors, researchers, and undergraduate/graduate students about their work, ask questions about how they got to where they are now, and do a little bit of networking! Below are some great opportunities to check out:
Choosing a school:
Prestige isn't everything. Just because you have a "well-known" school on your list doesn't mean every door is unlocked automatically for you, and that if you don't get in its the end of the world. Nothing will happen if you don't get into an Ivy League. The sky will still be there, I promise. You need to learn to make the best of the situation you're in, and get the most you can out of the cards you were dealt. Also, it means nothing if you go to Harvard but didn't do anything while you were there. You will be more respected if you go to a less well-known university but do a lot of research work, meet great professors, etc. It's not where you go, but what you do while you're there.
Location, location, location. Do you like the cold? Do you need warm weather? Close to home or far away? These are easy ways of narrowing down your initial list, or creating one if you've got a blank sheet of paper. By now, I would think you should know if you'd like to live in the middle of a large city, or in a quieter area with less noise. To each their own, but don't push yourself in to an environment that will be even more uncomfortable for you that just simply moving away from home for college.
Major Classes. Make sure the college/university you go to has classes that you're actually interested in, and that your major actually exists at this school. If it doesn't and you've already applied, that's a bit of an issue. Also make sure that wherever you go has enough there for you that if you want to switch what you're studying, you can. It shouldn't be a difficult process, and if it is, maybe reconsider your choices.
Campus Life. Definitely not a requirement to apply, but visiting the school if you can may be a good idea, and can help you decide if you like the school, on a very first impression basis. It would be ideal to go during the semester so you can see what life is like when there are students there, but if your schedule doesn't allow for that, then it's not the biggest deal in the world. Also, get in contact with students that are already there, and ask for their opinions on what life is like living on campus, food, courses, etc.