Senior Yr. HS - General Physics?

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
1

<p>I need to make this decision by tomorrow:</p>

<p>Next semester, which will be my last of high-school, I have the option of either:
attending school as normal- the main reason would be to take 2nd semster of AP chemistry (material in general chemistry which will be helpful later)</p>

<p>OR</p>

<p>attend school as normal for HALF the day (i would get out at noon), taking 3-4 classes. I would also be taking 2 classes at a community college (Ivy Tech, central Indiana- its some type of accelerated program, im already doing English 101 through another univ.) Now, I only want to do this option if I take the physics (for premed reqs). I checked and the class DOES transfer to PHYS 201, which is general physics. My counselor told me that it would suffice as a premed req. but I made sure.. BUT I have a limited physics and math background. I took our standard physics class last year (not AP) and got a 102%. I got the conceptual part but my mathematical knowledge in the subject is limited. ALSO I am behind in matematics (as a senior in HS). When I moved they wouldnt take my algebra credits, so I am now left with being in pre-calc as a senior (embarrasing). I got a 97% in algebra 2, and am hovering in the low 90s in pre-calc as of now. If I did this I would not be able to take AP chemistry and I fear that I would miss out on valuable knowledge that would be helpful in the future. On top of it all, I fear the physics class would be too difficult. I have a very strong relationship with our AP physics teacher and he said he would be willing to help me with the material throughout the semester- also I have friends who aced AP Physics C who would be willing to help me (id be taking non-calc based). </p>

<p>The other class I would be taking: Into. to Sociology
The other classes in the excel program are lower level math which do not transfer to IU-B, and im taking AP Psych next semester, so I do not have an intent on taking it at the CC. I know friends who have taken the sociology and its an easy A. (I have to take 2 classes, otherwise i would just take the physics)</p>

<p>As of now im leaning towards the second option of taking the physics class but I want second opinions. Here is more info. that may possibly help those who are so kind as to give me their opinon.</p>

<p>Projected High school schedule w/o CC (core classes): AP Chem, AP Psych, Pre-Calc, AP Stats, English Lit (dual crdt- Im taking English 101 right now)</p>

<p>Projected High school scheule w/ CC: Pre-Calc, AP Psych, English Lit (dual crdt) AND</p>

<p>[General Physics, Intro to Sociology] 8 crdt hrs?</p>

<p>here is a description of the Physics class if its any help:</p>

<p>PHYS 101 Physics 1 (sem. 1)
PRE-REQS: MATH 121 Geometry/Trig OR MATH 121 Algebra/Trig OR MATH 134 Trig OR MATH 137 Trig w/ Analytic Geom OR [ACT mathematics score of 22 and a completed high school physics class for excel students] <--- (thats me)
DESCRIPTION: introduces the basic concepts of mechanics, including force and torque, linear and rotation motion, work, energy and power, fluids, and the physics of heat</p>

<p>this will trasnfer as PHYS 201 at IU-B- where I will be going</p>

<p>Sorry for the wall of text.. but I tried to give as much information as possible. Thanks in advance</p>

2

<p>Taking another semester of AP chem is not going to really help you much. Regardless of your choice I would take a diff course.</p>

<p>The college thing is fine, but I would avoid taking pre-med reqs there if you can (though they will count). If you take AP physics, I would drop the credit in college (as well as AP chem). Honestly, since you know where you are going to college do what interests you. Nothing you do in this last semester is going to really better prepare you for pre-med.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the advice. But I do not see how second semester of AP chem wouldn’t help for when I take General chem. The book we are using is, after all, the same one used at IU-B. Also, I am looking for a response pertaining to the probability of me succeeding in the class. Is it likely that I’ll be able to pull off at least a B+?</p>

4

<p>Generally speaking, the difficulty in courses like general chem or intro bio is not because of the material itself; it is due to curves/scales/competition more than anything else. I doubt you will have trouble with Gen Chem II just because you didn’t take AP chem.</p>

<p>Regardless, I would go with AP Chem and the rest of that schedule. I’d avoid that physics class for two reasons: 1) what mmmcdowe said (avoid taking prereqs at a CC/school other than where you’ll be attending as a full time student, if possible), and 2) frankly, it doesn’t seem all that rigorous. I don’t mean you should be taking the hardest physics possible or something. What I mean is, it doesn’t seem like it’ll prepare you all that well for Physics II at IU-B.</p>

<p>But most importantly, this is your senior year! Don’t spend it in a college physics class.</p>

<p>

How can we possibly know? This depends on so many factors (including yourself and the specific course in question), it’s impossible for anybody to answer this. You may as well ask “Is my favorite color red?”</p>

5

<p>Taking AP will not relieve you of taking course in college, only allow advanced course.</p>

<p>Med Schools will wonder why you are doing your premed courses in high school and will frown on it (we would). Take Shakespeare or advanced writing (that would be best course by far for future).</p>

6

<p>I’m confused OP, have you taken AP Chem already or not?</p>

7

<p>I am currently taking first semester of AP chemistry. I am now stuck taking the physics… I decided to turn in the final comfirmation packet. So I will have first semester of AP chemistry taken before i take general chemistry next year, but not second semester. Please understand that, as I have clearly stated, I am worried about not taking second semster of chemistry simply because I will not be introduced to the material. I know that AP credit doesnt suffice pre-reqs, except for in some cases mathematics, which I obviously am not in a position to qualify for in the first place. Its just how much easier would it make general chemistry after taking second semster of AP chemistry? </p>

<p>Since it is too late to take back my decision (seriously- they were sent off just hours after I handed mine in), should I just take second semster of physics over the summer- after physics 1? I am strongly considering osteopathic medicine, and I (at least to my knowledge) know they have more lenience with the classes taken and where; correct me if im wrong. Exactly how bad will this look? I will probably go the DO route if I dont get into IUSM </p>

<p>Im taking English 101 right now, and next semster I am taking an advanced literature class through an accelerated English program through vincennnes university. Also, I am in the IU groups program, which is for minorities and first generation students (im caucasian- first gen.), so I am required to take fundamental college mathematis, reading/reasoning, and compostition while "“getting adjusted” to college life for six week before the fall semester begins- each class is ridiculously easy according to what i’ve heard. So im looking at having 25-30 credit hours before I even begin my freshman year. </p>

<p>I am not near the average student on these forums, and yes, the 95% I have in AP chemistry has been rather difficult for me to obtain. Pre-calculus isn’t a “breeze” - but it isn’t difficult either, etc. I am basically trying to say I’m not a complete idiot, but I’m not the most gifted either. With this in mind, can anyone advise me on what classes I should take my first semester? I intend to major in Psych. (probably wrong place to ask). Should I post in IU-B sub-forum?</p>

8

<p>I wasnt aware that AP Chem was two semesters, my school did it in one… Or so I thought? It’s been that long I guess!</p>

<p>Take Gen Chem, intro to psych, an english/humanities class, and gen bio. That should be more than enough to start your first semester (two labs).</p>