<p>So I'm trying to finalize my schedule for next year, and I had been planning to take both chem and physics. But, since chem is double period I realized I can't. The thing is... I kinda want to major in physics. But ap physics at my school is a pretty bad class. And I already met the chem teacher and he's awesome. So basically I don't know what to do. Any advice would really be appreciated!</p>
<p>I’d take AP Chem. I took both my Junior year, and got 5s on both, so I think I can give a good (hopefully) unbiased opinion.</p>
<p>The class itself will largely rely on your teacher. From what you’ve posted, chem is far superior. In terms of material, physics relies a lot more on conceptual thought in order to grasp concepts, whereas chemistry is a lot more memorization. For chem you have to memorize:</p>
<p>polyatomic molecules
crapload of conversions
periodic trends
common equations
organic naming
standard charges of certain elements
as many equations as physics (if not more)
colors of certain compounds
solubility rules</p>
<p>and tons of other stuff I can’t remember. But this also means that if you took AP Physics it would be a lot easier to self-study a 5 on the AP Chem test whereas it would be nearly impossible vice versa. For physics review, my class probably spent 20 hours reviewing all of the material we had gone over. Whereas we did last minute memorization cramming and two practice tests in chemistry. On the actual tests, I felt as if the physics was a breeze in multiple choice, but that the free response destroyed me. For chem, the multiple choice was slightly more difficult than its counterpart in physics, but still very easy. The free response however was very easy (except for one equilibrium equation), and was just quizzing the information we had memorized.</p>
<p>Hope this helps! Imho take AP Chem, but ymmv.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your advice rush10! Thats a really helpful comparison. So you think I should go with chem even though I want to major in physics? I do want to take chem, I’m just worried colleges would rather see physics.</p>
<p>Well in that regard, I can’t say which would be better as I’m not an admissions officer. I would assume having AP physics would be more appealing. From what I understand, colleges don’t look at ap scores except to give credit, so if you think you can get an A in the class with the bad professor, then go for it.</p>
<p>I got a 5 on AP chem as a sophomore, but honestly all it comes down to is which class of the two will you get an easier A? The AP tests are not difficult at all, it really is a matter of how difficult of a course your teacher makes it.</p>
<p>Thank you guys for the advice! I’m pretty sure I can get an A in either class. The thing is, I’d hate to waste a period taking a class that I wouldnt get as much from when I could be taking a class with a great teacher. Sigh still unsure :/</p>
<p>I would take ap chem</p>