Hi, I’m a rising sophomore in a high school where Honors and APs get the same weight. Next year, I have the option of taking AP Chemistry as my science and Organic Chemistry Honors as a half-year elective. Should I take these two classes concurrently? I’m not sure about the difficulty level of OrgoChem, and moreover, I don’t want to make it look like I’m taking classes just for the sake of a possible grade booster, as supposedly ppl w/out Chem background don’t “get much” out of Orgo. There is a prereq of a Chem class; however, my current physics teacher says they’ll recommend me for any course because I have a strong drive.
Can someone please give me some advice on this issue? Thanks!
My D took AP chem and O chem in the same year. She got a lot out of both. She’s a chem e major in college now.
In some environments, orgo is killer. I’d think you’d want some good info about the course in your particular high school, before deciding.
It’s not generally considered a “grade booster,” at all. Do you have reason to believe AP chem or orgo would be manageable for you? Drives are good, but not always enough. And you’ll have other academic responsibilities.
Do you have the chem background for AP Chem?
If you’re saying you want to take Honors OChem and AP Chem having never taken a Chemistry course before, I’d say that’s a very bad idea.
In general, I would say to take Honors Chemistry first before AP Chem. I assume you took Honors Bio last year?
If you decide to take AP Chem instead of Honors Chem, then don’t add O-chem on top of that.
You need honors chem first.