AP Biology - Did you skip or take the 1st year?

<p>If you use AP credit, take some more advanced bio classes because not all med schools accept AP credit. Some useful courses are cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, developmental biology, genetics, microbiology, and mammalian physiology.</p>

<p>My son agrees with Stonecold, He is in an intro bio class (enviro), just got his first test back--failing. Said he knew subject backward and forward, just really overthought the questions. Prof agreed technically his answers were right, but were not what he was looking for. He took a harder bio first semester and did great. He's really depressed and feels his life for grad. school is now over in fresh year.</p>

<p>I got a 2 on the AP bio test...probably because my high school teacher didnt teach us anything. Anyway, just wanted to say that the AP test doesn't determine anything because I got straight A's in lower div biology classes at my school (UCSD) and UCSD doesn't have the easiest science classes. EVERYBODY I know who did excellent on the AP test for Biology (4 or 5), is taking lower division biology classes. Even people who gave lectures on getting into medical school said you should definitely take lower div bio even if you passed the AP because...
1) you need to know that information EXTREMELY well for the mcats. I am sure you will know your material incredibly well if you score a 5 on the AP, but the college level is different than the high school level, i think everybody will agree with me on that one.
2) you do not necessarily cover all lower div biology material in upper div courses. There are a lot of things that aren't covered in upper div.
3) you want to establish a strong GPA base when you enter college. Instead of taking very difficult upper division class with a lot of competition, take an easier class that you know you will own.</p>

<p>Hope this helps</p>

<p>But, dont you think, suppose, if I am not a bio major, I use my 5 and take MCAT related courses, i.e. - Physiology, Cell Bio, Genetics, Molecular Bio? I simply would not want to waste time learning Ecology/ Evolution/ Plants, and the 5 kingdoms in General Bio which has absolutely nothing to do with the MCAT and my future in medicine....? You could at least agree that those upper level courses I mentioned is a better approach as opposed to using your Ap 5 and taking no bio.</p>