<p>I'm majoring in biochemistry, and I want to skip Gen. Chem because I scored a 5 on the AP. Several WashU students have already told me that this would not be wise because orgo is very difficult and should be taken only after I have taken gen. chem. Is this true?</p>
<p>Genchem covers way more than what is on the AP chem syllabus. I didn't take AP Chem, but from friends who did, I've heard that we covered way more in depth than what they learned in their AP class. So I guess the main question to ask is, would you be comfortable in a class where most of the other students have a stronger/more in depth background in chemistry than you(remembering that tests are curved)? I remember at some orientation session last year when they told us about some survey they had done where they compared students who got a 5 on the AP chem test and took genchem, and those who took orgo, and there was some astonishing statistic that those who started in gen chem did better in orgo when they took it. But I guess it's a matter of personal preference.</p>
<p>Another thing is the lab that accompanies Gen. Chem. I've heard so many horror stories about the orgo lab (taken in the Spring, after you've had one semester of orgo). At least in the Gen. Chem lab you get a chance to become familiar with WashU's labs, and good technique that you may or may not have picked up in highschool (I know I sure didn't) before you have to tackle the additional challenge of the orgo lab. Although I must say that the lab class was the one that was a relatively easy A for the AP people (not so for Gen. Chem the class). Hope this helps! (I'm taking orgo this fall as a sophomore)</p>
<p>My son, who also had a 5 in AP chemistry, was advised (not mandated) by his faculty advisor to take General Chemistry. He never regretted that decision. I also remember him telling me that the first day of Bio 101 (whatever the first semester is) his teacher asked how many had taken AP bio, and how many had 5s, and wll more than half the class responded that they had.</p>
<p>alright - thanks a lot. i won't try to be a hotshot or anything, so i'll gladly stick with gen chem!</p>
<p>Every year a few frosh chem whizzes skip gen chem and take orgo. In virtually all cases they crash and burn.</p>
<p>"In virtually all cases they crash and burn."</p>
<p>Why is that funny to me. :P</p>
<p>the only reason they might crash and burn is because their study habits are not yet up to par with a top education, which usually is worked on during the freshman year's intro courses</p>