<p>My son may have AP credit for the following - Bio, Psych, Calculus, Env Science, and Micro/Macro Econ when he gets to UNC.</p>
<p>My sons interest is in Bio. I know that some schools/students recommend not using your Bio AP, and possibly Calculus AP either for a stronger foundation or retaking as a GPA booster. Any thoughts on this, and possible recommendations for first semester classes for a Bio major?</p>
<p>I elected to take my “by examination” credits (BE = AP credits) and not repeat any courses. This allows me the flexibility to pursue a double major while retaining a reasonable credit load per semester. Other people use them to graduate early, take a GAP semester, add a minor, etc. It gives you a lot of options… </p>
<p>If your son does elect to retake Biol 101 instead of taking the BE credit, be advised that Biol 101 at UNC might NOT be the “GPA booster” you are anticipating. The professor I had for that class averages 6% A’s (that includes minuses), 33% B’s, 48% C’s and 14% D’s. You can look up any course’s historic grade distribution at unc.blinkness.com to get a sense of the difficulty. </p>
<p>Regarding course recommendations… Engl 105, which is a new requirement this year. A foreign language (you need to get to at least a 203 level at UNC). I took an LFIT to avoid the dreaded freshman 15 (lbs) and meet more students. LFITs are easy and social! A first year seminar is really good to knock off a few of your foundations, approaches and connections requirements. Most satisfy at least two categories and these FYS courses are only available to first years. Lastly, take a biology or chemistry class and the associated lab. You didn’t specify if you were expecting AB or BC calculus credit. If it is AB, then taking Math 232 is also a potential option.</p>