@Eeeee127 Did you end up taking org 210/211 or waiting? Im in the same boat as you
Chem 210 is the first course in a two-term sequence. CHEM 211 is the lab. I believe UMich recommends taking both 210 and 211 concurrently (same time). UMich doesn’t recommend taking Chem 211 first w/o having taken Chem 210.
If you have AP credit for Chem from HS and you do well on your Chem placement exam, then your advisor will probably recommend taking 210 and 211 together depending of course on what other requirements you will have to fulfill, like 1st Year writing, etc*. My kid has delayed taking 210 and 211 until sophomore year (this Fall). Talk to your advisor about your schedule and interests, because freshman year is a big adjustment.
*Other examples would be if you’re also going to take Bio 171/172/173 and/or some Math courses, like Calc 1, 2, 3 and/or 4.
Is Chem 210 pretty difficult for a freshman? Is it better to start with general even if you test into org?
Orgo is obviously a difficult “weeder” course. And when taking 210 and 211 concurrently, 210 has 3 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour discussion group. 211 has a one-hour lecture and a three-hour lab on Fridays. So that’s 8 hours of class time and lab time each week, which doesn’t include studying (or prepping for presentations) and your other classes.
My kid is a sample of one and waited until sophomore year. Like you, tested into Orgo as well, but had Bio, Math and 1st year writing. All these 100 and 200 courses in Math, Bio, Chem, etc. are “weeder” courses. All these classes will grind you in terms of work load. Addtionally, you may need/want face time with your professors, GSI’s, free tutor labs, etc. And then remember, you will have a social life, dorm activities, etc. Maybe you like sports, maybe you want to join Greek life or a club, etc.
Taking Chem 210/211 as a freshman depends on what the rest of your schedule and what kind of student you are. Only you know you. You and your advisor should definitely talk about your entire schedule. I’m not saying don’t take Chem 210/211, but look at the big picture, speak with your advisor. College is a big adjustment for any student.
Your starting point depends on you and your ultimate goals. My son took regular chemistry with lab and physics with lab with Calc and a humanities first semester. Typical engineering schedule. Nothing is really easy at Michigan even the easy classes… Ha…
I would suggest an easier first semester just to get acclimated and then go from there. You will have plenty of time to take all the courses you need /want at Michigan. It’s a large adjustment as stated for even the best students.