<p>So my school runs on a block system where I take classes every semester and I basically am faced with a dilenma for choosing math and science courses. I am planning to double major in applied physical science or engineering (chem, physics, most types of engineering) and something in poli sci, econ, or foreign relations/ linguistics. Basically I have a block open where my first semester is band (year-long), WWII, and APES in that order. I believe AP Bio only has one section and it is during APES but I would like to fill up my fourth block with either Multivar or OChem at a community college or at UCB. The catch is that I did better in AP Chem than AP Calc BC but did better on the AP test for Calc BC than Chem. Which should I take? Also would AP Bio be that much better given my intended STEM major? I did an internship with a geotechnical firm and it got pretty interdisciplinary as I also did policy analysis and earthquake research for PEER/EERI. That might mean APES might be better but AP Bio sounds more fulfilling, rigourous, and overall more intense on the scientific side. I also have college apps as I am a senior so maybe having that gap would be nice? Does my current schedule seem too light? For second semester I am taking Band, AP US Gov't and Econ, PE, and AP Lang most likely. If it all matters, I took Honors Physics as well in junior year and self studied the AP exam and did pretty well.</p>
<p>I did MUCH better on the Calc BC test versus Chem and I think some people are going to the community college to take multivar but no one (maybe one or two but I would be surprised) for ochem. My grades in AP Chem were considerably higher than in BC because I had a not very straightforward teacher who just oozed the character of the Pure Math department at UChicago :/</p>
<p>I took multivar at my local college when I was in highschool. The name sounds a bit scary but honestly it’s one of the easiest math classes I’ve taken. It’s essentially calc AB material (not even BC, forget series, they don’t show up on most multivar courses) but just add in some extra variables. You’d be fine in multivar as long as it’s at a community college.</p>
<p>I planned on taking ochem at my local college as well but I decided not to. WHen you took AP chem, did you struggle with the ochem material? I did, which is why I didn’t take it. In my opinion, ochem requires more memorization and effort than multivar. Huge generalization here but… for the easier grade go for multivar. otherwise, if you were interested in the ochem introduction in the AP chem, take it if you want.</p>
<p>AP bio is definitely a harder class than APES. If you’re trying to get more brownie points in admission, go with AP bio…just know it’s not going to make a huge difference. Now, if you’re planning on environmental engineering then APES wouldn’t be too bad of a choice. Depends of what you think you want to do.</p>
<p>Thank you so much! I chose to do multivar for first semester and I might do ochem second. I am interested mainly in social sciences (like poli sci, econ, linguistics, IR, foreign studies) and engineering (civil, materials, chemical, mechanical, and maybe industrial or naval/ aerospace) or pure physical sciences. Still trying to decide on APES or AP Bio ( I have been doing the work for both). Also since I am on a block system, would taking WWII, AP Bio, and Band with multivar sound better than taking Band, AP Lang, APES, and then multivar? I have to take AP Gov/ Econ, PE, and Band next semester as well. Thanks again!</p>