<p>ok, so I'm in a bit of a tricky situation. I have to choose between AP Chemistry and AP Physics C next year to take as a course. My problem is, I haven't taken any AP Chemistry yet, whereas I have already taken AP Physics. So if I were to choose AP Physics C, I would be going into college with pretty much no chemistry background. (All I took was Honors Intro to Chem freshman year.)</p>
<p>As for standardized tests, I took the Chem SAT after freshman chem and got an 800, and I self-studied AP Physics C: Mech after this year and I got a 5. So I guess I have a little bit of both classes under my belt, but I pretty much have forgotten all my freshman chem knowledge at this point... >_></p>
<p>And the final factor: I like Physics more than Chemistry, and I plan on majoring in Physics (maybe) for college. (I'm fairly certain I'm not going to take much extra Chem than needed in college too.)</p>
<p>So what would be the better choice for me, as far as both getting IN to college and dealing with the courses there? Would it be better to be well-rounded leaving high school, or to have extra knowledge in the science of my major? I'm probably going to have to take chemistry classes in college too, so would it be better to brush up on chem before I leave high school?</p>
<p>Any and all input is very much appreciated! Thanks!!!</p>
<p>haha hey thanks for your input! I’m just afraid that not having a solid foundation of chem knowledge will hurt me in college, especially if I have to take an intro course with a difficult curve lol</p>
<p>Thanks for your input. I’ve browsed other threads and they say that if you get a good score on ap chem, you can place out of intro chem classes, even though you don’t get credit. Would that be better? Since I’ll end up taking physics courses in college anyways. sorry for having so many additional questions!</p>
<p>It all depends on the college. Look up their AP credit policy and your degree requirements. Some colleges award actual credit for classes even if you don’t take upper-division classes in that area. In that case, you would do better to choose AP Chem so you don’t have to take Gen Chem in college. </p>
<p>The other is a matter of preference. Again, it depends on the college. Some colleges are known for their rigorous physics program, so it may be better to start off with a Gen Physics class versus placing out of the requirement with AP in Physics. You can still take AP Physics for preparation purposes though. It’s a hard call to make without knowing more.</p>
<p>Many students make the mistake of not thinking about the future when making enrollment decisions and end up either not needing AP credit they earned in college or having to take an introductory course in college because that college didn’t accept that particular AP credit. It takes strategic planning to get EVERYTHING going your way and that’s where the average student goes wrong.</p>
<p>For AP physics C, note that sometimes you may only get credit for mechanics anyway, since colleges may teach E&M with more advanced math (multivariable calculus and/or differential equations) than AP physics C expects (single variable calculus). In some cases, you may not be given subject credit at all, but be recommended to take an honors lower division physics sequence.</p>
<p>Check the AP credit policies of the colleges you are considering.</p>