<p>So my school runs on a block system where I take classes every semester and I basically am faced with a dilenma for choosing math and science courses. I am planning to double major in applied physical science or engineering (chem, physics, most types of engineering) and something in poli sci, econ, or foreign relations/ linguistics. Basically I have a block open where my first semester is band (year-long), WWII, and APES in that order. I believe AP Bio only has one section and it is during APES but I would like to fill up my fourth block with either Multivar or OChem at a community college or at UCB. The catch is that I did better in AP Chem than AP Calc BC but did better on the AP test for Calc BC than Chem. Which should I take? Also would AP Bio be that much better given my intended STEM major? I did an internship with a geotechnical firm and it got pretty interdisciplinary as I also did policy analysis and earthquake research for PEER/EERI. That might mean APES might be better but AP Bio sounds more fulfilling, rigourous, and overall more intense on the scientific side. I also have college apps as I am a senior so maybe having that gap would be nice? Does my current schedule seem too light? For second semester I am taking Band, AP US Gov't and Econ, PE, and AP Lang most likely. If it all matters, I took Honors Physics as well in junior year and self studied the AP exam and did pretty well.</p>
<p>I did MUCH better on the Calc BC test versus Chem and I think some people are going to the community college to take multivar but no one (maybe one or two but I would be surprised) for ochem. My grades in AP Chem were considerably higher than in BC because I had a not very straightforward teacher who just oozed the character of the Pure Math department at UChicago :/</p>
<p>Organic chemistry would only be useful if you are a chemistry, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, or biology major, and you also have to be careful about whether the organic chemistry course is for biology majors or for chemistry majors.</p>
<p>AP biology is generally more useful than AP environmental science, although it may not be that useful unless your major is biology, biomedical engineering, or possibly chemical “and biomolecular” engineering.</p>
<p>Multivariable calculus will be useful for chemistry, physics, and all kinds of engineering.</p>
<p>Thank you so much! I chose to do multivar for first semester and I might do ochem second. I am interested mainly in social sciences (like poli sci, econ, linguistics, IR, foreign studies) and engineering (civil, materials, chemical, mechanical, and maybe industrial or naval/ aerospace) or pure physical sciences. Still trying to decide on APES or AP Bio ( I have been doing the work for both). Also since I am on a block system, would taking WWII, AP Bio, and Band with multivar sound better than taking Band, AP Lang, APES, and then multivar? I have to take AP Gov/ Econ, PE, and Band next semester as well. Thanks again!</p>