AP Chemistry vs AP Calculus AB, which would look better to colleges

Applying to College
1

Hi, today’s the first day back to school and I just received this year’s official course schedule. I have ran into a bit of a dilemma: I was told that AP Chem and Calc fall on the same period and I am currently signed up to the former. I really want to take both but I have only until Friday for a class change, and I have to pick one from the two.

I have taken the following math classes:
Math I - Algebra I
Math II (H) - Geometry
Math III (H) - Algreba II
PreCalculus Honors

I have taken/currently taking the following science classes:
Sociology/Psychology
AP Psychology
Anatomy/Physiology (H)
Biology (H)
AP Biology
Chemistry (H)
???AP Chemistry???
AP Environmental Science
AP Physics I

I will be applying to UNC Chapel Hill, Syracuse, and ECU on a premed track but I’m not so sure as with the major yet–most likely declaring undecided. I wanted to do public relations or advertising but I’m having second thoughts.

2

You have taken 8 years of high school science and only 3 years of math. This should not even be a question.

3

Take AP Calculus. It is good preparation for the Calculus you will take in college. I think it is better to be introduced to it slowly through senior year rather than at the fast pace of a college course. It is good to take it while you still have pre-calculus fresh in your mind. It would be more difficult to start college Calculus after skipping math for a year. I really think taking Calculus when it is available is something the adcoms look for because it can be a stumbling block for some students. You have already demonstrated some ability in Chemistry by taking honors.

4

You already have 2 AP sciences. It’s pretty much a no-brainer - take calc.

5

TAke AP Calculus. Calculus is a required college lesson and its a more broad lesson than AP Chem

6

@theapbiologist1236

Too late now. Only the spring schedule can be changed at this point… I hope I get AP Statistics.

7

You will probably be in a weaker position in college admissions if you haven’t taken AP Calc. Selective Colleges do like to see at least up to Calculus in high school.

8

This is my current senior year schedule:
1st Semester:
AP Physics I
AP Chemistry
AP Psychology
Anatomy and Physiology (H)

2nd Semester:
French II
PLTW Engineering Design and Development
Civics and Economics (H)
AP English Literature and Composition

I’m current working with my counselor at the moment to get AP Statistics into my spring schedule (most likely be dropping engineering). Is AP Calculus really necessary to be competitive in admissions? I’ve declared either environmental science or public health on my applications, if that matters at all.

9

@MurphyBrown

I checked with a local community college… no luck. I’m gonna ask my counselor for help. Thanks for the advice!