I need help ASAP on deciding which AP science course to take next year

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

Junior year, I plan on taking AP US History and AP English Language. The other AP classes I’m considering are AP Environmental Science, AP Physics, and AP Chemistry. I want to get at least 7 AP classes under my belt by senior year (1 freshman year, 3 junior year, 3 senior year). I’m currently enrolled in an Honors Chemistry class with a 96 year average. I actually kind of like chemistry, but from what the AP Chem students have said, the class is SUPER hard. People who had an A last year are struggling to pass tests in AP Chem. However, I’m not sure if it’s just the individual students, the class, or the teacher. For example, everyone else thought AP Human Geography was really difficult, but I ended the year with a 97 average. Should I ask the teacher what he thinks? I don’t want to cause myself unnecessary stress, since I don’t plan on going into anything (career wise) that has to do with science.

In terms of AP Physics, I know that a lot of colleges want to see Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. At my school only CP and AP are offered (not Honors), so I would be taking the AP class, since I only want to take Honors and AP classes throughout high school.

AP Environmental Science is supposed to be pretty easy, but I was planning on saving that for senior year to use as a GPA booster. I’m not sure if I should just take that class next year instead.

Sorry for this long rant! I hope it made sense! I appreciate any and all responses!

2

I think it is a good idea to save AP Environmental Science for your senior year because you will be inherently busier with college applications, scholarships, etc. I am a senior and had to make a similar choice between AP Chem and AP Physics for my classes this year. I chose physics because I really struggled with the CP Chemistry class I took as a Sophmore. But if you are getting an A in honors chemistry I think it should be manageable. My best friend really liked Chemistry and knew AP Chem would be hard but she is really glad she took it (even though it is definitely VERY hard). I chose to take Physics and it is honestly pretty easy but that is mostly because I have a teacher who isn’t exactly qualified and a class that likes to complain so we don’t learn at the pace we are supposed to. But, basically, if you are good at math you will survive AP Physics. Anyways, I think either is a good choice. If are up for the challenge, go for AP Chem. Good luck with your Junior year!

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Many colleges like to see Physics in some form, AP or other in high school so if you don’t take it as a junior I would recommend taking it as a senior. At my son’s school the AP Physics 1 is a lot of math and not too hard. He is taking it now as a junior and doing well (he is strong in math). Good luck with your decision!