Which AP?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

Hi,

I’m stuck between taking 2 Science AP courses next year : AP Chem or AP Computer Science? I was planning on taking AP Chem but I am planning on majoring on Computer Engineering in college. So, my dad suggested taking AP Computer Science is a better idea. I would go with it but I was wondering which AP is going to be more effective for me, more difficult?

Thanks.

2

Def do AP Computer Science since you want to go into computer engineering. It will make you seem more dedicated to your intended major.

3

Have you taken a year of bio, chem, and physics, and one of those at the AP level?

4

I would take one year each of bio, chem & physics before taking CS, even if CE is your intended major. AP CSP and AP CSA are both math electives in our high school, and do not count for science credits (I think a lot of colleges see it this way as well). YMMV, but do the research and choose carefully. High school graduation requirements are more lenient than the requirements of selective colleges and selective programs (a lot of engingeering programs are more selective than the college at large). You don’t want to find out you don’t meet requirements or compare well to other candidates because you shorted yourself on math and science classes (or any core subject for that matter).

5

Have you taken all three of biology, chemistry, and physics (not necessarily AP)?

Which AP computer science?

CS principles is an overview course, suitable for those with no computing experience, including both prospective CS majors and those who will not major in CS.

CS A is a programming and data structures course for intended CS majors. (There used to be a CS AB which includes CS A with some additional material.)

6

Have you taken Bio, Chem, and Physics (regular or honors)?
What AP CS class are you talking about?
what would your schedule look like without either of these classes?

7

I am also intending to be a comp sci major and recently took AP Comp Sci. Since that is the major you want to do, I of course would suggest you take that. However, if you want to know the difficulty of the two classes, AP Chem is (in my opinion) a lot harder in terms of the material you learn and the pace which you learn it in contrast to AP Comp Sci. Also, are you sure AP Comp Sci is a science course? It definitely may vary from school to school because for me, comp sci falls under mathematics.

8

I 100% agree with taking AP Comp Sci. I’m taking it in the fall too! It’s really important to have some background knowledge, especially since that’s what you’re interested in studying in college. Chem is hell anyways haha

9

First make sure you have your lab science credits for graduation and college admissions (which may be higher than grad requirements depending on schools). Computer Science is usually considered a math elective and not a core class. If your thinking of particular colleges look on their websites.