<p>So here's what's up: I'm a junior in high school and can't whether in my senior year to take basic chemestry (I've yet to take any) or AP Environmental Science. I actually hate math and science-- I did fine in tenth grade biology and am barely passing Algebra II. However, the majors in the colleges I'm looking at only require one science class, Natural Resources, and all of them say that passing the AP exam in Environmental Science will take care of that. What are some opinions out there? Is the class really difficult for a numerically challenged individual like myself? I'm used to AP courses, as a junior I'm taking AP Comp and AP Psych-- I'm just a little unsure about science. Also, colleges say they want chemestry taken in high school... Would an AP science course that ISN'T chemestry be better than normal chemestry?</p>
<p>Help!</p>
<p>Ok, from my skewed perspective, here are some words of advice:</p>
<p>Do NOT take AP Environmental science if you want a fun, easy, blow-off class. Since most teachers assume that’s how students will approach it, they make it super-obnoxious by assigning tons of homework and making the tests extremely difficult. This in turn makes what should be a relatively interesting subject a total and complete pain in the ass.</p>
<p>But brushing my opinion aside… if you hate math, you won’t completely be able to escape it in APES. There is still some (but definitely not an overwhelming amount) of math involved, but most of it is pretty simple (population growth, energy use), unless you’re bad at word problems. Then you’re kinda screwed. </p>
<p>If you were applying anywhere else but the colleges where AP Environmental will suffice, I’d strongly consider taking chemistry. It’s one of those classes that everyone should take in high school and it will work in your favor in college admissions.</p>
<p>Chemistry is a requirement at most every high school, so it’s important for college, take that. Take APES on the side if you want to fit it in.</p>
<p>Agree with MattNC, chemistry background is very important. Take that first. (Maybe take AP Env Sci if you can squeeze it in)</p>
<p>I’m currently taking APES. It is harder than you think. The questions are not always a direct answer for the environment in multi variable. But, It’s also easy because the env is linked and you can assume things and get it right. The math is supposed to be easy. The test makers just put in a billion zeros and try to confuse you. The wording is confusing.</p>
<p>Pros
with constant effort you will get A
You can study diligently once and assume the rest
My quarter grades A-, A-, B+ (slacked off)</p>
<p>Cons
math confusing and I have an A+ in precalc
variable questions</p>
<p>APES is not hard conceptwise. Very easy. Just don’t slack off.</p>
<p>There’s math in APES?</p>
<p>Yeah. Word problems. I find “extracting” and “organizing” the number very confusing. Then you get answers like 6.5 x 10^7. Anyways, I often lose ‘zeros’ in my calculating process. No calculators too.</p>
<p>I would say take chemistry and if you want the Natural Resources class out of the way, you can self-study for the APES test.</p>
<p>Sophomore year I took Chemistry with AP Environmental on the side. I would recommend it as an interesting class, but not as a necessary one.</p>