Linear Algebra vs Organic Chemistry

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>I'm a rising high school senior, and I have to determine my class schedule for next year. This year I'm taking AP Chemistry, AP Calculus AB and AP Physics Mechanics, along with some other classes. Next year I plan on taking AP Calculus BC, AP Physics E&M and AP Biology, along with some other classes.</p>

<p>Here's my problem. I really want to dual enroll at a local community college, either linear algebra or organic chemistry, but I don't know which one I should take! I've decided on those two classes because I'm only interested in math and science, and I've exhausted my school's math and science curriculum (except for AP environmental science, but I don't want to take that). Also, I could take another social studies class instead like AP Euro, but I'd rather not... I don't have much interest in history.
Linear algebra is one semester, while organic chemistry is two semesters (part 1 and 2). I checked the prerequisites, and they aren't a problem for either. All I know is that I want to be an engineer. I don't know if I want to be a chemical engineer, biomedical, civil, computer, etc. I'm doing well in both AP Chemistry and Calculus.
Also, I plan on applying to Umich, Stanford, Princeton, and MIT.</p>

<p>Which one should I take?</p>

<p>Take into account the following:
*difficulty
*amount of credit I would receive, if any
*which class the above colleges would prefer
*will my gpa die if I take organic chem? or linear algebra?
*most useful class
*is organic chemistry specific to certain majors?
*anything else you can think of</p>

<p>I'd really appreciate any input!
Thanks</p>

2

<p>Take linear algebra if UMich accepts credit for it from that CC, self study it otherwise, pass on organic chemistry since it doesn’t seem you have a focused enough idea of what you want to do to warrant taking ochem unless you have interest in it. LA isn’t hard but I heard ochem is.</p>

3

<p>I’m not sure why someone would take ochem unless they were pre-med or needed it for their major. But you should definitely check the transferability of credits for both (especially ochem). Many top colleges are very picky about having certain courses taken there, even if it is the same material.</p>

4

<p>I would go with linear algebra, 3 science courses for one year is kind of ridiculous. Also, it is more relevant to your engineering interests…</p>

5

<p>Alright, I’m just going to go with LA then. Is ochem only required for pre-med, or do most engineers need to take it?
One of my friends said he was getting credit for dual enrolled ochem at the same CC, so I’m pretty sure I’ll get credit for LA as long as I get a dual enroll credit sheet filled out by my counselor.<br>
And I’m not worried necessarily about getting credit. I just don’t want to have to repeat the class once I get in college.</p>

<p>Thanks, guys!</p>