I am a junior picking out my senior schedule. I was planning on my AP’s being AP Calc BC, AP Gov, and AP Bio-but now I am thinking of switching my AP Bio to AP Enviro. and adding an anatomy class in there as well (so doubling up on the sciences). I want to be a biology major/animal science major- would not taking AP bio be a huge deal breaker if I want to apply straight into my major? Do most biology majors take AP bio in their high school careers? I would take AP bio but there seems to be a scheduling conflict with another one of my classes, not to mention the AP bio teacher is awful and most everyone complains and struggles in his class. Would it be okay to take AP Enviro. and regular anatomy as my senior year science, or should I try to make AP bio work somehow? Would taking AP Enviro and AP Bio at the same time be too overly challenging and repetitive in topics? I heard they are somewhat similar.
Side note-I took honors biology with a 98 in the class both semesters. Is this enough to look impressive and competitive for my intended majors, or maybe I should apply undeclared?
I’m not sure, but personally I would take the AP Biology class. It depends on how bad the class really is and the teacher. If you don’t think he can prepare you enough to do decent on the AP Biology test, then don’t do it. Otherwise, it would make you a more competitive applicant for a biology major if you’ve shown that you can understand more advanced biology and handle it.
Definitely take AP Bio along with anatomy if you can.
Since you said your teacher is awful, I recommend getting one of the AP review books and completing it along what you’re learning in class.
AP Enviro is considered a blow off class in my school, so I think you would be fine taking both at the same time. My friend isn’t even taking the class, but he’s taking the AP exam for the credit, and he got a 5 on the practice test.
It’s certain AP bio would help you for you major.
Now, if the teacher is terrible, it may not be a good choice.
Have you taken AP Chem? Chemistry is also very important for biology and even more important for premeds (2 mandatory biology classes vs. 5 mandatory chemistry classes).
A possibility might be AP Chemistry + APES - would that be possible for you?
AP bio is a better choice than AP enviro- enviro is really a college board knockoff that they use to make money while bio truly prepares you for high level work in the subject. However, enviro could get you an elective credit and given that you enjoyed bio, you would probably find it interesting. If you’re able to do both it would probably be doable, but if you have to choose, choose bio.
Ironically, I usually learn better when the teacher is terrible because I’m more motivated to study on my own. I don’t know about you though.
Joyce-would colleges see my grades from AP bio even though it is my senior year? I know most applications are due in December so would they really think of me as a stronger applicant?
Keggin- so you are saying I should triple up on sciences? AP Bio, APES, and anatomy? Would three science courses look impressive to colleges, or would they consider it too much?
MYOS- Yes I was thinking about AP Chem and APES, but AP chem seems to be extremely rigorous and with AP Calc BC along with other AP’s and many EC’s, it may be a workload issue
Anna- I would like to take both, since APES seems to be an interesting (and easy) class, and AP bio would obviously help with my major. Do you think that the topics are too similar/overlapping? Is taking both a waste of time?
No, drop anatomy.
1 science, two tops if one is easy.
AP bio is fine on its own. Or AP chemistry with apes (which should be easy and include some applied bio).
Well, if biology is the major you want to go in, it’d be best to take biology classes. They would see your first semester grade. Your second semester grade and AP score would not have a big affect, unless your grade went from a B to an F during second semester because you gave up as senior, then they could redact their letter. I don’t know the teacher or the class, but if the class is seriously hard to pass, then it’s up to you whether you not you don’t want to take it. However, if biology is your desired major, I’m assuming you have an interest in it and that biology comes easier to you, then take the class if you have an interest in learning higher level biology and are willing to self study because of the teacher.
Plus, yes, three science classes would take a lot of dedication and time. It’s pretty uncommon. I wouldn’t. If my school allowed us to, I would double up in science though. Also, yeah, AP Calc BC is pretty rigorous so it might not be best to take AP Chem next year.
Thank you all for your help!
I’d find another way (besides taking a canned AP class) to learn and show competency in biology if that is your direction–then take what you want.
Lostaccount-what could that other way be??
@lostaccount (you have to tag people like this if you want them to be able to see your reply by the way) @Gymnastgal1999
You might be able to manage both depending on your school. At my school, both classes aren’t too work heavy but it could be different. But try to only pick 2 sciences.
I don’t think it would be worth it to be trapped in a class you hate just because it could possibly help in the future. APES is really interesting and I’d recommend it. Depending on how organized you are and how much self-control you have, you could always self-study AP Bio. I’d advise against this, since AP Bio is not self-study friendly. If you’re thinking about this option, crack open the Princeton Review AP Bio book. Read a few pages from each chapter. If you understand the material, find it incredibly interesting, and have a background in biology (from a previous course) self-study might be the path for you. It’s not for the faint of heart though. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. APES satisfies a requirement at many colleges as well.