I was wondering if I should take AP Enviro my senior year. By that point, I will have completed bio, chem, and physics, 2 at the honors level and 1 at the AP level. I was thinking about taking APES because it is something different than what I have already taken. Any advice about the class, especially from those who have taken it before?
APES is usually very popular among seniors; it is considered to be the easiest AP science course. If you have an interest for this or are planning a career or major that would benefit from this class, then you should take it. Otherwise, you may want to consider taking an AP version of the other two science courses that you took at the honors level. Good luck!
I’m currently a senior taking APES. Before this year, I’d taken Regents Bio, Regents Chem, and AP Physics 1. I’m planning on majoring in engineering.
APES wasn’t my first choice for sciences this year- I wanted to take AP Physics C, but I would’ve had to drop a PLTW course to fit it in my schedule. While I love physics, I’m glad that I took APES. I’ve had a minimal workload with my teacher, and it was nice not to have hours of science homework to come home to on top of college application stuff.
I definitely agree that it’s the easiest AP science. Since it’s known as that as well as a senior class, it tends to attract a lower-caliber student than, say, AP Chem does. That means that it’s been easy to stand out- I haven’t had to study yet and am the top of my class. Standing out has its benefits- my teacher was ecstatic when I asked him to write a recommendation letter for a summer program I’m applying to.
If you want to be there for the right reasons, rather than just looking for an easy AP on your transcript, you’ll do well. I’d take it if you’re at all interested in the material and looking to lighten your courseload for senior year.
@SoCcErTrAcK2016 thanks for the lengthy response. Colleges wouldn’t look at APES and automatically have the impression of someone who didn’t try, correct? Just for your knowledge, I’m top 10 in my class and am taking other APs my senior year.
I am also not doing it because it’s easier. I want to take APES because it seems different from any other science I’ve taken.
@MPC6789 I don’t think so, but I’m not exactly an admissions expert. I think it’d be looked on favorably if the rest of your schedule is rigorous and you get high grades in the class. I don’t think its hurt me, as I’m taking 4 other AP classes this year. Plus I’ve gotten into some fairly selective (like 30% acceptance) colleges so far for engineering that doesn’t relate directly to APES.
Good luck!
APES and AP Statistics are known to be easier classes than the more rigorous AP science and math classes (Bio/Chem/Physics and Calculus). However, if you’re not majoring in STEM and have several other rigorous APs, it shouldn’t matter as much.