AP Chem vs AP Physics

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

I am currently a Junior taking AP Chem and to say that class is killing me would be an understatement. The teacher does not help me in anyway and has a reputation in our school for being notoriously hard. I currently have a terrible grade in that class which is depressing because I scored a 97 in my Honors Chem Class. I have an option to instead take AP Physics 1. My only concern is that colleges will feel my Junior courseload wasn’t as intensive compared to my peers. I also heard they don’t care about AP Physics. Should I just stay in AP Chem (and get a B for the year) or switch into AP Physics (A for the year)?

PS. I’ve been a straight A student throughout highschool and have taken the hardest available classes (so this doesn’t always happen)

2

Valid point.

So then why do you want to change now? AP Chem is generally regarded as more challenging than AP Physics 1.

You should stay in AP Chem and strive for an A. There are many online resources to assist you. Blaming the teacher will never get you far. Good luck.

3

Are you going into the Sciences? " to say that class is killing me would be an understatement"- that reads that you will struggle for a B… Protect your GPA and take AP Physics if you LIKE Physics, unless you want to major in Chemical Engineering. I can’t see AdComs caring about AP Chem vs AP Physics, but I can see them not liking a B- or C on your transcript if Chem is killing you as much as you say. If you really feel Physics will be easier for you, and more interesting, take it- and use your free time to prep for SATs/ACTs.

4

The AP exams tend not to be the course that the colleges look at in terms of any consideration during admissions, but the subject tests. Both the Chem and Physics subject tests are among those the top-tier colleges will want to see, but then that is if you are, as @suzyQ7 said, going in to something like engineering. That being said, you will have to check and see if the Honors Chem course you took is requisite preparation for taking the Chem Subject Test. Same with Physics for determining preparation for the exam. From there you can make an informed choice about protecting your GPA, your sanity, and your confidence going forward.

5

A B in AP Chem is fine.
A B-/C in AP anything is NOT fine.

Did you take the Chem subject test in May/June?

??? Not at all. Both are solid, “core” AP classes.

6

Hi Everyone I just wanted to provide a quick update. I recently took an extremely challenging test in the class which is what made me write the post. Today, it was revealed I got the highest grade on the test. While I do not know if this was because of sheer luck or because I studied well, I have decided to stay in AP Chemistry. I just hope I continue to understand the material in this class.

Thank you everyone for replying! I appreciate it.