Hi, everybody! I’m currently an eighth grader choosing classes for next year. I’ve taken seven credits, two in science already, allowing me to take either AP Bio, AP Chem, or Organic Chem as a freshman. I can’t take AP Chem because they won’t have that class until my sophomore year. So it’s between bio and ochem! Bio’s an AP class, so I’m sure it’s extremely difficult, but ochem is probably just as hard, so I think I want to wait till 11th grade to take that (the next time it runs.) I’m scared about taking AP Biology as a freshman, and I’m scared the workload will be too much as I’m taking a double paced history, and precalc, (we have block schedules so I won’t take the, all together thank goodness lol!) Does anybody have advice on what I should take, or what is harder/easier? I have to have my courses selected soon, so if you could answer ASAP, I would appreciate it tremendously! Thank you!
Is there no honors bio option at your school?
Shouldn’t you have AP Chem as a prerequisite for Ochem? I agree with @momofsenior1 Shouldn’t there be an honors option ?
Organic chem requires a foundation in general chem first. If the school does not require - shame on them for setting students up for failure.
AP Bio generally requires an intro bio course as well, although some very selective high schools do offer it as a first bio course.
take an introductory science class that will prepare you for future AP science classes. There is NO rush to fill your Freshman [or Sophomore] schedules with tough AP courses.
None of these science options make sense.
You’re supposed to take biology, chemistry, and physics (regular or honors). Since you already took 2, take whatever you’re missing. .you’ll need a background in bio and chem for AP Bio. You’ll need chemistry honors with an A for AP chem (a senior level class, one of the hardest APs).
What’s your schedule like without science?
When you say you have two science credits, what are they? If they’re general “7th grade science” and “8th grade science”, you’re not ready for an AP course. You need a year of Bio/Chem to take the AP versions. OChem typically has the same requirement.
Our school doesn’t have AP Physics 1 or 2 - it’s Honors Physics then AP Physic C. But I get the impression that AP Physics 1 is a first-year course, if that’s available.
@RichInPitt
I should have explained better sorry… but I’ve taken honors earth science and honors Chem, at my high school (I got transported there every day) If you get a 90 or higher in Honors Chem (high school course) you take either AP Bio, AP chem, or organic chem.
@momofsenior1 and @h8annah
There is but because of my honors chem grade, the teachers and counselors recommend ap bio
@MYOS1634
I am currently taking honors chem with the sophomores at my local high school, it’s been recommended I don’t do honors bio and do ap instead. I’m not allowed to not take a science course during freshman year, and my parents would never be okay with that anyways haha
To clarify, I meant seven high school credits, not middle school. I don’t think middle school classes are even credits that count toward anything.
Listen to the advice of your guidance counselors then! They understand what you’ve taken and what should come next better than any of here. Enjoy HS!
Who has recommended you for AP biology? What other high school science class have you taken beside chem honors?
Which other classes would you be taking freshman year and do you have a progression in mind?
How competitive is your high school (public, private, boarding? Do most students attend college?)
@momofsenior1
Thank you! Sorry I keep tagging people, I’m new and don’t know how to reply
No worries! The tagging is helpful ; )
@MYOS1634
-My gifted teacher and guidance counselors
-Honors Earth Science, which I think is pretty irrelevant but it’s a requirement soooo had to do it lol
-I’m taking honors precalc/trig, (it’s mainly precalculus but for some reason trig is in the name) h English 2, and h global studies (decided against double paced history) I will also be taking Spanish 1, and another elective yet to be decided. I don’t know what progression means in that context sorry
-I go to a public school, I wouldn’t say it’s extremely competitive and the large majority go to college.
Does your school offer another foreign language? (There are fewer students who’d take another language, which usually means a smaller class and an easy opportunity to stand out).
Ok, so it looks like AP Bio might be an ok pick - does your school offer APES?
Progression is the path for honors students, to ensure you have classes to take each year.
APES->AP Bio->AP Physics1-> AP chem, for instance.
Or precalculus-> AP calculus BC-> multivariable calculus → discrete math/linear algebra.
You shouldn’t overdo it with APs. 8 total over the course of high school, including one AP science, AP English Language, one AP history, AP calculus plus the others in subjects of interest. You can take more but you don’t have to and more won’t help your college admission prospects so just take the ones you’re interested in.
You must one lass from each core subject every year: English, Math, Foreign Language, Science, Social Science/History. For the rest, take whatever is a graduation requirement or strikes your fancy: enjoy high school.
Join clubs, participate and make a difference in your school’s life or your community. This will help you learn differently and grow. And it’ll matter to colleges.
@MYOS1634
Thank you a lot for your advice! Our school does not have APES, but I will take the other language idea into consideration. Thank you! 