<p>I'm a junior taking AP Chem right now. Semi long story please bear with me haha. Last year in Honors Intro to Chem, my original teacher retired without giving notice prior to the school year, so we basically had substitutes for the first month and a half of the school year. The other chemistry classes meanwhile were getting further ahead. When we finally got a long term sub in mid-October, we were very behind. Over the course of the year, the sub tried his best to teach the same material the other classes were being taught, but he was unable to go into much depth as the other classes, as we were so far behind and a majority of our year was spent trying to keep up with the other classes. So I felt I had a basic understanding of chemistry and wanted to take AP Chem. </p>
<p>So this year, our AP Chem teacher (there's only one), had back surgery over the summer, so he had doctors appointments and was out about three or four times per month. He also was not the best teacher in the world, and would assume we knew a lot of it, since it was his first year at our school. He did not go into much depth, yet somehow I still managed to maintain a B+ and an A- first and second quarter. After midterms, he had another back surgery and was out for an entire week. After that week, he flat out quit because he was going to need additional surgery. So they already had a longterm sub prepared, whos a great teacher, but it is already end of March and I feel there is so much left to cover. I feel lost in chemistry a lot of the time because of my sophomore year experience. I have an A right now, but there is only six weeks until the exam and I'd say we have covered between 50-60% of the material. However, he most likely will have to return to the stuff we "learned" earlier in the year and reteach it because our old teacher did not do a sufficient job. </p>
<p>So now my question-- is it better to not take the AP exam and maintain a high grade in a class, or is it better to take the AP exam and get most likely a 2 (maybe 3)? I feel that I've been pretty screwed over throughout my chemistry experience, and the lack of material is all starting to add up now. </p>
<p>What's your opinion? Help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!</p>
<p>Have you already paid for the test? It can't hurt to take it. Colleges won't factor the test score in when considering you for admissions, whether you get a 5 or a 2. If you don't take it, you'll never know what you could have earned. The cc'ers on this board place much more emphasis on the AP exam score than the colleges do.</p>
<p>I haven't paid in full yet, just a small deposit. I know that colleges really don't look at them closely, but if it was down to me and some other kid that got a 4 or 5, wouldn't they pick the higher scorer?</p>
<p>that may be true, but how would it look if they saw you didn't even attempt the test? at least get a 2 or 3 instead of getting a big 0 for not even taking it.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I haven't paid in full yet, just a small deposit. I know that colleges really don't look at them closely, but if it was down to me and some other kid that got a 4 or 5, wouldn't they pick the higher scorer?
[/quote]
Since they wouldn't be able to compare you, the guy with the 4 or 5 and the guy who is taking the course as a senior (no score until summer), they wouldn't use that comparison for just the two of you. Aand, as Evilbooyaa stated, their looking for effort and "spunk" rather than a high grade on one exam (most admissions officers couldn't get a 1 on the AP Chemistry exam). Colleges are looking for students who constantly challenge themselves to go a little further, not for the ones who guarantee they look good because they play it safe (avoid taking AP Exams).</p>
<p>You should definately give it a shot. Although there are only six weeks left, you can get a good review book, which will help you grasp some of the concepts quickly. I know several people who weren't doing so hot in Chem...definately not an A, but they did really well on their AP (4s and 5s). They didn't even study that much...just used a review book. Good luck.</p>
<p>Review a bunch and give it a shot... and keep in mind, you don't need a very high percentage to get a 5 (I think its just a little over 60%, but don't quote me on that)! I doubt that you'll get less than a 3 if you've really worked hard in the class, which is at least passing. And as was suggested above, you can get a review book.</p>
<p>Take the test. If you do really badly, destroy your score. If you pass, celebrate. Unless you are applying to a Tech school, it won't matter if you got a 3. It is a hard test, and colleges know that. The fact that you took it at all will be enough to impress them. If you shy away from it, it might look bad.</p>