I am currently a sophmore and I am going to be a junior next year in high school. I have been trying to decide which AP science course to take, but I am having trouble deciding. I got A’s in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry and both classes interest me. I just need some more information to really chose the right class.
First, see which one pertains to your aspiring major, and if both courses do, then here’s what I’d advise you to do.
See which one you feel you’re stronger in (regardless of your current grades, AP is very different from honors); if you’re good at memorization and knowledge application, then AP Bio is for you. Be prepared to learn TONS of vocabulary and know how to apply it.
But, if you’re more mathematically inclined and can work with elements and equations better than raw memorization, then take AP Chem. If you want, you can take one next year, and the other Senior year.
I’d also recommend you check out the format of each exam on CollegeBoard’s website, and familiarize yourself with the exams a bit. Maybe download a practice exam or two for Bio and Chem and see which one is a bit better for you.
Chemistry is now a more concept-based course than a math-based course. As a mathematically inclined student, I am struggling with the concepts in AP Chemistry.
It really just comes down to whatever interests you more, but I have heard that AP Biology is a little bit easier.