Hello!
So, I want to take Honors Chemistry next year, but it’s not recommended to take it if you didn’t take geometry as a freshman (I took Algebra I). My classes for next year are:
-Honors English
-Honors Geometry
-APUSH
-Show choir
-Latin II
Should I take Honors chem? I think I could handle it personally, and I’m up for the challenge, I just want to know why they have it recommended for geometry students.
You should take honor chem! In fact, it does not really matter whether you take geometry or not. Keep it in mind! As long as you work hard ( I can tell from your classes load), chem is not that hard.If you took algebra 2 before, it will be better.
I agree with @Swardon. Goemetry does not really matter much. More important is Algebra 2. At my Ds school, prior or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 is a requirement for Honors Chem. If you can select Honors or AP Bio first until you are doing Algebra 2, that might be better…?
The reason, most likely, that your school wants kids to at least have been in geometry for Honors Chem is that the chem class is very math-based. If you struggled at all in Algebra I, don’t take the honors class; it will be expected that you are able to do calculations and use formulas (and, you know, know when to use formulas, and perhaps why they work, but that’s the more science-y part) without much thought.
I’m guessing that your school actually wants people enrolled in algebra 2 concurrently (or previously) to be taking chem, geometry seems irrelevant. If you didn’t struggle in algebra 1 and you’re willing to work harder than some of your peers to keep up with the math, then I think it should be fine.
Honors Chemistry is a class that involves a lot of math, so if you feel like math isn’t your best subject, you may consider holding out on that. BUT if you think you can do it, you should definitely try. If needed, you might want to consider a tutor.
Also, like some other people have said, it would be better if you took Algebra 2 first. You need to use some algebraic concepts such as logarithims, which might be confusing if you haven’t done Algebra 2.
It is definitely possible to do Honors Chemistry without having taken geometry. However, whether your school will let you is a different story; if the class is oversubscribed, you likely won’t be let in.
Algebra 2 isn’t offered until junior year at my school.
P.S. Thanks for all the detailed responses!
BUT if you did take geometry as a freshman, you take algebra II as a sophomore. I have a 96 in math right now, but would I struggle a ton in honors chem vs. chemistry?
That would depend on your teacher. If she teaches you how to do the math the chemistry requires then I would take the course but if they expect you to know the concepts then I would do regular or get a tutor and stick with Honors. Usually in my school they recommend anyone in taking Geometry or Algebra II next year to take Honors Chem.
If you school will let you take it, then go for it. It is definitely possible. I agree with the above commenters though. You will have to work harder, but it is manageable.
Maybe I should just do what I’m interested in? Truth be told, I’m not that interested in chemistry. I’m more of a biology person.