<p>Hello all,</p>
<p>I'm signing up for my senior classes right now and I'm debating whether to take AP Biology or AP Environmental Science. Does anybody know if Swarthmore credits these classes differently? Is one more appealing than the other? Any input would be well appreciated.</p>
<p>Swarthmore's A.P. credit for various exams is listed here(<a href="http://www.swarthmore.edu/Admin/registrar/page.phtml?sidebar=policies&content=apcredit)%5B/url%5D">http://www.swarthmore.edu/Admin/registrar/page.phtml?sidebar=policies&content=apcredit)</a>, and it looks like get a little more credit for the bio exam. On the other hand, you need a 5 to get credit for either, so if you think you're more likely to do that on Environmental Science then that might get you the better credit.</p>
<p>I think that bio is also viewed as a slightly more difficult (and therefore appealing) course, but I'm less sure about that. Any AP science is impressive, so go ahead and take what you're interested in.</p>
<p>I agree with JP2249 that the "word on the street" is that AP Bio is the more difficult course, and that Environmental Science is a bit "cushy." Also, even with getting a "5" on AP Enviro, it does not satisfy any of the Swat distribution requirements. Check the link that JP gave you.</p>
<p>AP Bio would probably look like a better course, since APES often isn't as rigorous. But as JP said, it's easier to get a 5 on the APES than the Bio, if you're going for credit. Even though APES might not fulfill a distribution requirement at Swat, it does count as a credit with a 5 and you will get more lee-way in choosing your classes, so it's not all bad. Bio might do more for you, requirement-wise, but again, it's generally a harder class.</p>
<p>I'd really suggest taking what interests you more. It's not going to look worse or better if you take one or the other, and even if you get a 5, it's not going to change your course requirements that much, so take what you're interested in and take what you have time for! An AP science looks awesome anyway. :D</p>
<p>great input, thanks so much for the help guys!</p>