The EPSO Dilemma - CIE, AP, or Both?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
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Once you get the Fiske Guide, read the following descriptions immediately:
UTK, UChicago, Northwestern, Oberlin, Davidson, Washingon&Lee.
Read to find the differences in “personality”, curriculum, “vibe”, environment… It’s not that easy.
(All are excellent universities so don’t focus on that, your job will be to try and define each university for its unique characteristics, thus figuring out what those unique characteristics are.) If you can do that, you’ll be ahead, because it means you’ll understand “fit” and can “read for it” to prepare your “why us” essays. It’s very elusive and difficult. At first, all colleges sound the same! But these 6 should have key differences.
You can also find Princeton Review’s Best Colleges (2018, 2019 editions).
So, that’s your next challenge! :slight_smile:

How’s General Chemistry going?
Do you have labs?
Have you started your lab work at Lee?

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I’ll get back to you on what I find regarding the book if I can find it at the library or purchase it, thank you!
I’m currently in General Chemistry right now. I’m ahead of the other classmates as far as I know because I complete all my work the same day it’s given and I never get below a 97 on anything. (I haven’t yet). It’s all still high school review, and since I have all of my high school chemistry work, I’m ahead, so there’s nothing that’s been challenging. We have labs 3 out of the 4 days we attend. They aren’t hard either. I guess it will pick up based on what you’ve said. This should pick up, right? All of these topics except thermochemistry I think aren’t new. Hopefully my professor will expand on these topics more than high school does. He’s a really good teacher.
I’ve also started the lab internship and had my first “official” day yesterday. I organized chemicals on shelves, set up a lab for students, and washed old and used chemical bottles. It is the “unpaid, routine” work I was expecting, but I enjoy it a lot. I don’t really get to see any labs or experiments in action, but I think that may come at a later date. This is the first time Lee University has had an intern not affiliated with their school, so they’re kind of “experimenting” with me. That’s interesting.
Do let me know if you have any other science-y ideas at a relatively low cost in comparison to experience. My summer still has open slots and I would like it to fill up.

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I had posted a link of the syllabus but I guess it’s not allowed. It didn’t really include any new topics except thermochemistry.

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Have you gone to visit the professor to ask questions, you could ask for further readings/further exercises?
General chemistry is supposed to be one step up from high school chemistry honors - the topics similar but more depth, more demands on precision, etc. On the other hand, 97% shows you have a mastery of everything. It’s not that common in college. So, it shows that either your high school class is very strong, or that you are - because the class goes very fast (I can’t tell if it’s an easier but normal general chemistry, if the course is going to pick up, or if the CC offers really lightweight courses under the title of serious classes)… No matter what: it shows that you’re able to hack it in a college setting. That there’s no grade inflation issue at your school and that you’re willing to challenge yourself (Adcoms don’t know how hard a specific class a specific semester at a specific college, is).

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I’m going to show my professor the AP Chemistry AP Barron’s book and see what topics he says I may be familiar with by Gen Chem II.
I did a lot of reading on the Fiske Guide on the colleges you said and I’ll just give you my ending verdict of each college that I wrote:
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE: KNOXVILLE
UTK isn’t really anything special to me. It’s close and located in a fairly urban region, but that pales in comparison to its lack of focus on academics and intense focus on athletics, which is the reverse of my desire. Getting in is very easy, but that defeats competition and thus excitement. The same is with the students. I may stand out, but the educational standard is not worth it and will likely bore me. Its only redeeming quality is the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which is the largest federal nonweapons lab, which is of fair interest. I would like to be a big fish, but I also want plenty of room to swim. I want rigor and challenge. UTK doesn’t really offer this for me.
Interest: Low
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
UChicago certainly offers the science specialty and innovative opportunity that I seek; however, research is not mentioned as a prime quality. Its focus on academics is respectable; however, by the book’s wording, it seems to emit an aura of hostility and extreme competition, especially concerning politics. The acceptance rate and need-blind admission may hurt me dearly and reduce my chances even below 8%. This university, its academics, and close proximity to a large city are things I adore, but the above statement may prevent me from attending.
Interest: Low-moderate (ignoring admissions puts this to moderate-high)
OBERLIN COLLEGE
Oberlin seems to offer brilliant academics and research opportunities, but their campus personality just kills all of my want for it. With my scores and performance, I think I have a decent chance at getting in, but is it worth admission to be politically ostracized and treated as an outlier? No wonder enrollment after acceptance is low. It’s a shame to see these academic blossoms negate themselves by the politically polarized attitudes of the professors and students therein. It seems to limit their audience profoundly to those willing to either engage in or bear the burden for academic benefit. The rural environment is also not really something I favor. As a result, my interest is low.
Interest: Low
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Northwestern seems like a harder school to form an opinion on. The academics seem pretty intriguing, but no detail is given as to the science majors/studies. Research, though, does seem a high point in the university, which is of interest to me. Their specialty, though, seems to be in economics and journalism. Nothing special about the social scene, which is acceptable (as I’m not a fan of the party scene) and a bit dull (if not invested in the Greek life, socializing is noted to be hard). It does have an urban scene not far from campus, though, so it may not be too bad here.
Interest: Moderate
DAVIDSON COLLEGE
Davidson seems like the smaller cousin of Vanderbilt - lots of research opportunity, fairly strong in the sciences, yet lesser known, and thus lesser funded. It shares similarities with Northwestern and Washington and Lee. The Honor Code is interesting, but I don’t favor its application to exams, as I perform better under timed and proctored conditions. The principles of the school seem fairly constructed and thus respectable, though. I feel like I have a fair shot at getting in, but I would hope the rigor is greater than it sounds.
Interest: Moderate
WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY
Washington and Lee has close ties to Northwestern and Davidson - research opportunities, fair amount of rigor, specialties in business and journalism (Northwestern) and the Honors system (Davidson). The Honors system again, is interesting but does not facilitate my optimal performance. The lack of political hostility and divides is preferred, and I can get behind the middle-ground stance of the students. It has a Summer Research Scholar Program, which assists professors in new research and is thus of great interest. It does though, seem a bit mellow and lacking of vigor as described, but I could be wrong. Overall, I’ll keep it in consideration.

All colleges offer small classes, which is something I prefer.
I’ll also throw Vanderbilt in:
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
Vandy has been my dream school for its intense academic focus and strong scientific inclinations. However, this book has proposed a few challenging cons I didn’t want to face, but had to - my in-state residency and the university’s need-blind admissions process, both of which worry me about my chances at a school I strive for. Furthermore, while it is strong in the sciences, those sciences are mainly medical sciences, not necessarily research/biochemistry sciences. Its rigor, though, is admirable, and its professors seem the most passionate, rigor just under UChicago and topping the LACs as a kind of big brother. While I adore Vandy’s close proximity to a large city and its academic ambitions, I often wonder if I’ll make it.
Interest: Moderate-high (ignoring admissions puts it to high)

I will do more research on more colleges of interest, but here are the ones you wanted for now. Hopefully I can find a perfect fit.

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My professor told me after looking at the AP Chem book that most if not all topics of AP Chem will be covered by Chem II. However, as we know, the AP test for Chemistry is really hard, which makes me suspicious of how much material is actually covered in DE Chem II at a community college in comparison to AP Chem, since I know AP Chem likes to go deeper into topics. It would also seem really strange if that were the case, because if a 5 is scored on the AP Chem exam, it counts for VANDERBILT’S Chem 1 and Chem 2 courses. You’d think there’d be a substantial difference in difficulty between Vanderbilt Chemistry and Cleveland State Community College Chemistry.
Do you think, if I take Chem II, I would be capable of taking the AP Chemistry exam and doing well on it? I’m considering it. However, my professor only read the Table of Contents of the AP Barron’s book and not actually any of the contents. I would have liked a more accurate testimony as to what will be covered, but with the quick glance he gave, I wasn’t sure. I would really like to take either AP Chem or AP Biology though. I was more intent on taking AP Chem because I wasn’t sure if DE Bio would cover all the material in time for the AP Bio exam. I have half of the AP curriculum for Bio covered; however, if I were to just take Bio I I would think I’d only be reviewing what I took in AS Biology.
I wanted to take at least one because I think it would give another boost to my resume and further demonstrate my passion for biochemistry and also because I wasn’t sure if my lab internship and DE courses would show that enough.
What do you think would be good for me to do?

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In reality, at top universities (flzghips and anything in the top 50 univ/lacs), students in the sciences do NOT take the credit because although it’s offered they know the classes are higher level.
Yes, you can take the AP chem exam after General Chem 1+2. Stick with it and kept doing very well.
If you feel comfortable enough you could try to skip Biology I and jump right into biology 2 - but ONLY if you can quickly figure out whether you’re properly placed and switch back to bio 1 without a problem. Doing poorly or even just average in a college class related to your future major would penalize you.

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Alright, I’ll plan to to take the Chemistry exam. I just hope it doesn’t hit me over the head and surprise me. But I do my best to prepare. Any books you recommend (other than Barron’s)?
I don’t think I can skip biology 1 since biology PROBABLY goes over the basics of heredity and other things we technically didn’t cover in AS Biology (even though I know about heredity and most of it already) but I can still ask when fall rolls around. It would be nice to “skip” it now that you say something.
Now that I think of it, I wanted to ask something. In the Fiske book, when I look at the colleges you told me to (in addition to Vanderbilt), I compare the education rating for Vanderbilt with Davidson, Washington & Lee, and Northwestern. I’m sure you know the rating system is on a scale of 1 to 5 pens, with halves allowed. Well, Vanderbilt has a 4 pen rating, while the other three have 4 1/2 pen ratings. Why do they have, in a majority opinion, a higher quality education than Vanderbilt, especially if they’re lesser known and funded?

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Hello again, I recently got back from a trip to Vanderbilt’s campus and it has increased my desire of going there. Other colleges though, are still in the loop. To try and get an extra edge on my resume, I’ve been trying to incorporate some more unique and passionate extracurriculars. I wanted your opinion on a few I had in mind to try and whether or not they would be worthwhile:

  • Writing a book on some psychological patterns I’ve noticed in the youth and advocating ways to change it for the better, possibly selling it
  • Working more hours in July to save up enough money for a drawing tablet to create more professional works that I can tie into science (i.e. educational animations or other pieces)
  • Trying to find an entry level position at a lab (haven’t been successful with this so far)

Is there anything else you would recommend to get those activities up to speed that wouldn’t cost a lot? Furthermore, if it’s alright that I apply to Vandy, should I apply early decision I to increase my chances up to 20% like the counselors said it would likely do? The only thing is that it is a binding contract.

(Respond in your own time, I don’t want you to feel as if we’ve talked for too long)

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If you run the NPC, is Vanderbilt affordable for your parents?
Talk with them.
If it’s affordable, then apply ED.
It’s clearly your first choice, so the only reason why you shouldn’t apply ED is if you depend, not on financial aid (base on need) but on merit aid.

Forget writing a book for now.
Working more hours ha two benefits: more money to buy the drawing tablet, but also more responsibility, more hours to write down, and more to write about.

Entry level postions in labs often require bachelor degrees. There’s such an oversupply of biology majors that what would not normally require the skills and knowledge of a college graduate and what pays like a HS graduate’s job, is all they can find. A a result, you may find a paid position once you’re admitted somewhere but don’t expect anything at this point.
Stay with what you’re doing.
How’s the lab work? Are you holding on even if it’s not fascinating? Learning anything?
What about General Chemistry? I hope you’re still getting high As but I also hope it got a bit harder.
When does the application for UTK and it’s honors college open?

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I ran the detailed NPC, and the estimated net price is 3,156 a year. When they deduct the estimated student self-aid (a job) the remaining cost is around 800. I’d say that’s pretty affordable for a good education like Vandy.
To be honest with you, I don’t have an overtly compelling reason why Vanderbilt is my top choice. I think a lot of the reputation it has and all of the publicity it has received has influenced me into gravitating towards it, like most big-league well known colleges. Yes, it’s right in the heart of one of my favorite cities, is in my state, has a beautiful campus, welcoming students, good food, and has a good science school, but in comparison to other universities and LACs, I’m not truly sure how its education compares in terms of “cutting-edge” research. LACs are starting to raise my eyebrows, though, considering things like Amherst, Washington & Lee, Davidson, Northwestern, etc. I really wish I could visit some LACs, but we can hardly even afford to go to Nashville! I’m sure they have many of the same attributes as Vandy. I do have a separate thread in which I asked more people for help about ranking Questbridge partners. I’m in the process of creating a document that analyzes every single partner on a lot of criteria and ranks it. I’m doing it alphabetically, and I’m ALREADY stuck on Amherst. You can view the other thread if you’d like, or stick here. I don’t mind.
I plan on working a lot more in July to save up for a new graphics tablet, so I’ll heed your advice there. Only thing is that I was wondering about taking General Chemistry II in the summer as well:
PROS:

  • Gets Chem out of the way; may help in getting a job or allowing for extra time to study for AP Chemistry
    -If I didn’t take it, I couldn’t take it until spring… as far as I’ve been informed. If I did that, it may be running it really close to the AP Chem exam.
    CONS:
    -Parents can’t afford; would likely have to take a loan out on my behalf and pay it
    -Might miss out on a few bits since the class is so fast
    Knowing these assets of my decision, what would you do?
    The lab internship is fun! I’m doing the routine work like I expected - washing bottles, organizing shelves, setting up labs for students, and even making chemicals sometimes. I know how to do titrations really well and how to dilute solutions and determine their molarity, kind of. I’ve only done it once. Since my lab supervisor has finished teaching summer classes, I don’t do lab prep right now, but now we’re focusing on cleaning up the entire Math & Science building. I love cleaning anyway, so it’s overall very enjoyable. I’ve started to even stay there after hours in the center hall and study on their computers.
    I finished my Chemistry class Thursday. The hardest chapter was Thermochemistry, but it was mainly because I kept reversing numbers and putting negatives instead of positives, that jargon. Understanding oxidizing agents and reducing agents is also kind of confusing. Other than that, mostly review, and most things not reviewed were pretty easy to grasp. Both my professor and lab supervisor said it would really pick up by Gen Chem II, though, so I’ll be expecting that. My lowest grade was a Thermochemistry lab grade (89), but the professor drops the lowest lab grade. If we don’t consider that, I’ve only ever made one 95 and the rest of the grades are above a 96.
    The UTK application is open now. I don’t like UTK, really, but I guess I have to apply to a safety, don’t I? Rule of thumb right?