So, next year, as a 9th grader, I have the option of taking AP Biology. Its not recommended, usually, but the counselor said that I may be an exception. Should I wait to take it in 10th grade, along with AP USH and Precalculus?
AP bio during your freshman year?
If they offer it, then take it. Schools don’t offer an AP course for freshman if they will fail it.
It’s uncommon, but a few freshman do take AP Bio
Posted this thread in the wrong place. Can someone move it to High School Life?
How much of a background do you have in biology? Maybe your school is different, but I’ve heard that AP sciences can be a killer. My friend is in an accelerated biology class that is apparently close to AP level, if not AP level, and it’s pretty awful. Tons of labs, a science fair project throughout the year, notes on entire chapters in a short period of time, etc.
I’d only consider it if you’re good at and enjoy biology, good time management skills are also crucial. I mean, maybe AP biology is a lot easier at your school than it typically would be, hence why freshman can take it, but it seems like it needs to maintain a certain level of difficulty in order for students to pass the AP exam.
I will admit that I have never taken an AP bio class, so take this with a grain of salt, this is merely what I’ve gathered from others. So, I do acknowledge my shortcomings as a reliable source.
That said, I’m guessing your school is a pretty accelerated one, since AP US is usually a junior course, so if you’ve been adequately prepared, go for it. If your counselor thinks you might be an exception, then she must have some faith in you, and she knows you better than I do.
TL;DR I don’t know, but here are my speculations on it xD
Honestly recommending you, don’t do this without taking an Honors Biology course beforehand. I have some friends taking the class, the coursework is rigorous and at another level, especially for somebody just entering high school.
If you really want to take an AP class next year, do something easy like Human Geo (what I’m taking right now) or Psych (if your school lets you).
It’s possible. Is it a good idea? No. Just because a course is available to you doesn’t mean you should take it. I took AP bio after taking a standard bio course my freshman year, and it was still tough. I honestly do not believe that freshman have the study skills or motivation to take the course and thrive. My advice is to wait until junior or senior year.
My high school isn’t smart, if that’s what you’re thinking. On the National Report Card, they managed a D in Math, and a C in English. Also, a D in Biology. That’s the majority, as I’m the minority, I hope. About 90% of the High School I’m going to is below average or average. So, it’s definitely hard being in classes with them, in middle school and onward, and that’s why I wanna get ahead.
So, it’s definitely hard being in classes with them, in middle school and onward, and that’s why I wanna get ahead.
Even if your school is badly ranked, AP classes are taught according to curricula made by the CollegeBoard, and the curriculum for AP Biology is no joke–do you really want to deal with complicated, in-depth topics such as DNA replication and oxidative phosphorylation during your freshman year, just after learning about broad, vague topics such as (at least in my case) the order of the planets in your 8th grade science class?? I can’t speak for your school, but if anything, since it has done poorly on national reports, the course would probably be harder due to there being a bad teacher or something.
Don’t overwork yourself during freshman year. 9th grade is meant to be a time to ease into high school and explore your interests. Like I said, take an easier AP if you really want to take one. And if you really are hell-bent on taking AP Bio, at least talk with some people who are already in the class in order to get a feel for what you will be doing.
Did you take it? I started this year in the class, and than had to drop out. It was hard being the only freshmen in a class full of seniors, and tbh i had no experience in biology before it.
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
As much as I dislike resurrected threads, the post above is asking a question of the original poster, who is still active. I will leave the thread open to see if s/he replies, but please do not provide advice to the OP; the class schedule has long since been made.