<p>I'm trying to get an idea of what classes I'd like to take at Cornell this fall. Can someone comment on the number of credits that students usually take in a semester? Also, are there any advice about what kind of classes to take? For example, is it a bad idea to take 2 or more science classes at the same time? What is the best time to schedule my class? How many courses should I take, not including PE and FWS? I'm in CAS, but I may switch into engineering. I also plan to go on the pre-med track.</p>
<p>Also, do you recommend using AP scores? I think I can skip out of Chem 207 and Phys 207, as well as the Bio G courses. Finally (for now), would you recommend me taking chem 208 or the 215-216 series?</p>
<p>If you are pre med, make sure it is OK to use AP to satisfy medical school requirements. I'm not sure if it is or not but a friend of mine had a 5 in AP bio but still chose to take bio101 because he was afraid some med schools would not accept AP credit. I'm not sure which med schools care or if any really do, so just keep that in mind/find out from a legit source.</p>
<p>To answer your question though, the minimum credits needed per semester is 12, and I think the average is around 15 cred/semester. Not counting PE I've taken 15-17 credits per semester(bio major) and it is doable to take 18-19 but I wouldn't advise doing it your first semester here, or if you have mostly sciences.</p>
<p>15 credits is probably 4 courses including FWS. </p>
<p>And yes, definitely doable to have more than one science/semester. </p>
<p>And finally, I recommend 208 unless you have a burning desire for chemistry.</p>
<p>I don't think I have a (burning) desire for chemistry.
Do you think it's better to review some chem before the spring tho? Since I will probably skip 207?</p>
<p>Also, do you think it's a good idea to take MV for engineers? Is it harder than the normal MV calc course that non-engineers take?</p>
<p>I don't understand why you want to skip Chem 207. You need 1 year (2 semesters) of gen chem. So if you skip Chem 207, you will have to make it up with an upper level inorganic chem class or p-chem.</p>
<p>I think I will be probably majoring in a chemistry related field, so I will probably be taking upper class chem courses anyway...</p>
<p>I was looking at the median grades for 2006. I realize that Chem 208 actually has a lower median grade (B) than Chem 216 (B+). If chem 208 is easier, how come the grade is lower?</p>
<p>Because it's not just about the median grades. I explained it to you on the other thread. The material is more difficult. The competition is tougher. Chem 216 is full of chem majors (peepz who had 5's on their Chem AP tests and LOVE chem). Despite the higher median grade, I can assure you that Chem 216 is much tougher than Chem 208. However, if you are majoring in chemistry or a chemistry-related field, you should take Chem 216.</p>
<p>From what I have been told, Math 192 (Engineering Multivariable) is a lot easier than Math 222 (A&S Multivariable). Why? Because Math 222 is more theoretical while Math 192 is more applications to engineering. I guess that really depends on how your mind works. Most of my friends who were in A&S liked the applications more rather than the theoretical so they ended up taking Math 192. Also, in A&S, they take linear algebra first and then multivariable, so their multivariable has linear algebra as well (While in engineering, linear algebra is one of the last math classes you take).</p>
<p>I would suggest placing out of courses you know you will never need, but have to take as a graduation requirement. For example, if you have liberal arts requirement classes, use AP credit so you can focus on your core classes more.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info. Since I'm in CAS right now, does that mean I'll be unable to take Math 192 because it's mainly for engineering students?</p>
<p>Also, the course catalog says I can place out of a history class with my US Hist AP credit. However, it also says that AP credits can't be used toward the distribution requirement... then what's the point of placing out?</p>
<p>I am not sure of the exact procedure about how you can take Math 192 as an A&S student, but it really shouldn't be a problem. I think if you tell your faculty advisor that you are considering engineering, s/he should let you take it. I know 2 people who are in A&S and took Math 192 -- one of whom is transferring into engineering next semester and the other one just thought it would be easier. </p>
<p>I understand what you're saying. I know for A&S getting AP credit for liberal arts classes is harder since you have distribution requirements. In that instance, if it does not help you at all, don't place out. It will be better for you to just repeat the class, do well and boost up your GPA. I am not familiar with the requirements from A&S since I'm an engineer, so I would suggest talking to your faculty advisor. If you are going to switch to engineering though, the AP US score should be accepted if you have to required score so you will have one less 100 level liberal arts class to take. However, I would recommend doing some research before deciding to place out of a particular class. While in some cases it might help you meet requirements, in other instances, it might just make you lost and confused being in a higher level class.</p>