<p>I'm debating on which Chemistry class to take next year. I'm going to be a Chemistry major and was accepted in the Vagelos Program.</p>
<p>I can't decide between Chem 101, Chem 015, Chem 241</p>
<p>I have different reasonings behind all.</p>
<p>Chem 101: Hopefully an easy course since I've taken AP Chem already. No real new information and would be nice while I acclimate to college life.</p>
<p>Chem 015: Accelerated 101 which would be interesting and informative. More challenging than 101, but still not totally new information. I heard it is very intensive and could be just as hard as Chem 241.</p>
<p>Chem 241: Very new information. Would be a nice change from the past two years of General Chemistry. Could be quite a bit to handle since I'm already taking Multivariable Calc, Math 114</p>
<p>As a Vagelos Scholar I understand I don't have to take placement tests, correct? I'm thinking I might want to take the 101/102 exams to see how well I do though. What do normal Vagelos students take? Am I at a disadvantage if I take 101? </p>
<p>Any advice on these three courses would be EXTREMELY helpful.</p>
<p>Take 241 - you will thank yourself later when you have a lot more freedom in scheduling courses. It will be tough but there is no reason why you can't handle it unless you slack off.</p>
<p>Chem 15 is just as tough as 241, but the curve is nicer. Most Vages that i know took 15, but second semester some took 16 and others took 241. I know one Vag who took 101 (though there may have been more). Keep in mind for the scholarship you need certain classes done by the end of sophomore year, so getting 241 done this year will help you avoid taking a ton of classes next year.</p>
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Talk to Ponzy. Chem 15 is just as tough as 241, but the curve is nicer.
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<p>I've talked to Ponzy and so far I've decided to take Chem 15. He said it is better to start higher and then move down if needed. I'm still not entirely sure on what I'm going to do. Everyday my decision changes. But now I'm debating between 15 and 241. Still, it's hard to judge the high school standards I've been used to compared to Penn's standards.</p>
<p>I see that Rappe is again teaching Chem 015 this year...</p>
<p>Took it last year - be prepared to work. The curve itself is EXTREMELY kind, I believe to something like a low A-, I believe that as long as you don't slack too hard, actually do the reading/review notes (which will be key), you should be fine. However, again, be prepared to work. I personally felt that Rappe was a great and passionate teacher, though very challenging and demanding. Much of the class also found him to be a little intimidating to approach (partly because he's pretty challenging). Tip: Review your Calculus - there will be many derivations in the course i.e the Schrodinger, Maxwell-Boltzman etc., derivations that are huge in the course. Also - be forewarned of the 12 page, single spaced, 30 primary source, original research chemistry paper. On the bright side - there is the curve, a more discussion based/theoretical approach instead of lists of calculations, and a much smaller class with people who are all pretty science intense (though this can be scary...)</p>
<p>In short - class you're going to get as much out of as you put in... I am personally glad to have taken the course, though second semester, due to scheduling conflicts/realization of sheer work load required, I opted to take 102 instead of 016. 241 can't really say too much about, I'm taking that next semester, but orgo is always legendary... in a bad way.</p>
<p>Also - keep in mind one thing with Vagelos. ~80%?? drop out rate - I'm somehow guessing from your name that you're thinking a Biochemistry major like me, just be warned that if you drop out, your protection from the hell of General Chem Lab is gone and you will have to take them.</p>
<p>I just had a conversation with my Peer Advisor about which Chemistry to take. She suggested that Chem 015 is not necessarily needed if you have a strong Chem background to from high school. Plus it is very mathematically intense with a great deal of physics.</p>
<p>She suggested that it is worth it to take Orgo for two reasons: 1) It is about the same difficulty level as Chem 015 and 2) It will free up courses later on. </p>
<p>So, what is your take on Orgo? Is there as much work, long papers, etc? The curve is a little harsher, correct? And then there's always 101.</p>