Which Chem, Math class to take??

Hello I’m in the LTSC preparing for engineering. Right now I’m registered for Chem 131,132 and Math 140. I have experience in regular Chemistry class in high school. But barely learned anyting from my AP chem class cuz of bad teaching. I kind of want to switch to Chem 135 since it’s a faster way to fill my Gateway requirement, but I’m afraid I might fail lol I took DE calculus class in highschool and did fine. So I’m also thinking about taking Math 140 honors instead. What do you guys think? Help lol

@bryanboi1030 - My D, a rising senior, took Chem 131/132 freshman year and it was challenging. Most of her classmates had taken AP Chem in high school

I’m not sure there is any advantage in taking CHEM 131/132 AND CHEM135…? You should be aware that you will not get credit for both…if you look on details for CHEM 135 in Testudo, it clearly notes, “Credit only granted for: CHEM103, CHEM113, CHEM131, CHEM135, or CHEM146.”

If you took Chem AP in high school, even if the teacher was bad, you still have a decent background. Be aware that, in general, Chem 135 is a tough class. However, they do curve. My son did not take Chem AP in high school, just intro to chem. He does not like chemistry (he is more inclined to physics) but he did fine. I know that the only teacher to steer clear of is Bonnie Dixon. Looks like she is teaching Freshman Connection classes only, so no worries for you. You can ask around about the other profs.

As for math, I am not sure what calc DE is, so I can only tell you (and this is third-hand as a parent of a recent engineering grad) that my son was considering taking 140 because some engineering friends of mine suggested that even though he could AP out, it was better to repeat for a solid foundation since math is so critical to engineering classes. It was a tough debate because he understood the logic of that, and bolstering his gpa early with easy A’s. In the end, however, he opted to go straight to Calc3 (MATH 241) and was glad he did. He heard from peers that 140 was fine, but 141 was a killer class. I’m sure much is dependent on the prof though.

As for honors, there are two issues. The first is that you need to be in honors college to take honors classes. I believe that students in scholars may request permission for h-versions of classes, like math, just not honors seminars. However, even if you obtained permission for the honors version of math, it gives you no advantage. In fact, that may work against you on a tough exam if you are in a smaller class, because there is less chance of a curve.

FYI, for those in Freshman Connection that are taking Bonnie Dixon for Chem135, the negative reviews on her were based on her love/emphasis of organic chemistry, which most students hate. Students had stated she is tough in class, but very nice in office hours and appreciates when students show they care. Note that the reviews about her being tough were NOT from classes she taught in freshman connection, so really no need to hit the panic button if u signed up for class with her. It is a challenging class in general, no matter who the prof is, so make sure to show effort by going to her in office hours for help. A friend’s son reported it made all the difference for his final grade.