<p>the chem/research question depends on a lot.
Just how good is the research program? Will you be working on a long-term project that can be continued after the program ends (continuing is usually necessary to do well in competitions)? Are you genuinely psyched about it?
On the other hand, do you really want to show knowledge of chem (which can be done through research anyways)? Are your other SAT II scores weak or existent? I'm not sure if u noted them, but you will need 2 for most schools there. And you don't necessarily need to take the course to take the sat ii - you can buy a review book and self-study for the test. If you do this, I might suggest studying for the AP...but keep in mind that chem is a rigorous one for most students.
I don't know...just my thoughts.</p>