<p>So basically here is the situation at my school. I am a sophomore and need to register for junior year next week. Here is the list of what subjects of science we are supposed to do in my school district each year:</p>
<p>9: Physical Sciences (Little of Geology, Physics, Chemistry) all rolled into one
10: Full year Bio (I'm in Honors Bio -- AP is not offered)
11: Chemistry (Reg; HP; or AP are offered)
12: Physics (Reg; HP; or AP are offered)</p>
<p>My issue is that I want to take AP Chemistry for my Junior year so then I can take AP Physics my senior year. The College Board recommends that you already have a year of chemistry on your belt before you take AP Chemistry, but I do not have that opportunity because of the year of physical sciences my school district requires. So because of this, the only chemistry experience I have is the 1 trimester of 9th grade in which we covered the VERY basics of chem. How hard will AP Chemistry be for me? The school does give us a whole summer course to go through but that is in no way as good as a full year of regular chemistry. Suggestions, comments, anything else you need to know? Thanks!</p>
<p>I think you should really lean toward taking the AP Chemistry. Regardless of the experience you already have with chemistry your AP class should start out with some basics and then even if it does get a little more difficult stick with it. You have no idea how much AP credits help when your looking at colleges and applying to them. Worst case situation you could run into is if you feel like its way over your head after a week in the class go to whoever is in charge and get switched into honors chemistry. I really think you would regret not attempting at the AP course. Especially because like you said, you want to take AP physics which is a very important thing to do. Definitely give it a try. I’m not sure if you know what you want to study in college, but if your looking into any sort of science, math, or engineering major then you’ll be ahead of alot of students by taking AP chem and physics and I happen to be an engineering major so I know this for a fact.
Hope this helps</p>
<p>Thank you! To answer your question, I definitely want to go into the pre-med, then medical school track.</p>
<p>It really depends on your school. In my school, if you didnt take Chemistry honors then you have no chance in AP Chemistry. My AP Chem class started Monday and I have a test on 5 chapters on Friday because she said we already learned this stuff in honors and she doesn’t want to waste time on it.</p>
<p>The best thing you can do is to ask the AP Chemistry teacher at your school. No one can give you an accurate answer on here.</p>
<p>That’s great I would say taking those extra AP courses will do a lot for you. Just something for you to take note of is that getting an A in honors chem and physics is not a difficult feat and when your competing with a lot of very students to get into a school there will be plenty of people that have As. Something that would set you apart from those people with As in honors courses would be getting Bs in AP classes. So one thing about AP courses is the bar doesn’t have to be set at getting an A not to say it wont be just as hard. Also the people reviewing applications will see you took the extra initiative to attempt college level courses which is what AP classes are.
Good luck hope everything works out well</p>
<p>I agree with Mango; my shool was just like that except worst: if you were in the AP teacher’s honors class, you could survive, but if your honors chem teacher was the new one, then you basically got r*ped for the first three tests (total of 4 tests, a midterm, and a final each semester)</p>
<p>Talk to the teacher about any prerequisites you might have to meet to succeed in the class.</p>