<p>Hey guys. The problem I have here is that I have a weak chem. foundation. In honors chem, I went through 5 teachers in the first semester, all with different styles of teaching which made learning very hard. What's worse, one of the teachers wasn't even a certified teacher (I have no idea what my high school is doing). When second semester came, I found myself with a competent teacher, but an already terrible basic knowledge of chem. What I'm wondering now is should I take AP chem next year in senior year at the risk of getting a bad grade? I know that chem and orgo in college are tough, and that my chem is already pretty weak. But would I be able to survive through it if I don't take AP chem? Somehow my highest test grade in AP bio so far has been the biochemistry unit haha....so I still have some hope left.</p>
<p>College gen chem assumes you have had no previous introduction to chemistry. While it definitely helps if you have a good chem background, you will not be at a disadvantage. It's like any other class that you haven't had any introduction to and must learn from scratch; you'll encounter a number of them.</p>
<p>To the OP: I have a very very weak background in Regular Chemistry. I didn't complete the course in my old school, but I was given full credit when I transferred. Anyways, I am in AP Chemistry now, have a B average in the first 2 quarters and it is quite hard to follow the class but I am hanging in there. Moral of the story: if you don't think you can make it, don't take the AP. Just, take another one in its place. You'll be fine.</p>
<p>i surmise its up to your studying techniques....just read the book dont worry about the teacher.</p>
<p>here's a sentence that i like a lot from the intro of my bio book:</p>
<p>"The best professor, textbook, even the best study guide in the world cannot teach u unless u are committed to learning. be an active participant in your own education"</p>
<p>To be completely honest, you will die if you count on your teachers. It's always a hit and miss with teachers. Help yourself. Studying with friends is also a great way to get caught up. Although "intro chemistry" is the bottom basic, be prepared to get behind. But don't lose your mind. Agreeing with what chemguy, your book is your best friend... especially if you suck at chemistry...</p>
<p>We never had a textbook. I did buy an AP chem review book just to see if it helped at all. But most of the stuff in there was far more complicated then what we were doing. I don't rely on my teachers, but I never had a book either.</p>
<p>no book.. wow.. I guess you have a right to be lost... I'd go ahead and take AP chem next year.. Especially if you're going pre-med.. I took AP biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and I don't regret it at all. Our Gen.(intro) Chemistry class doesn't assume that you have previous chemistry exposure. But it flies by fast and its easy to get behind. Some of my friends in the class never took hs chemistry and they were really struggling. Idk your situation but if your GPA isnt a major concern to you and you can take a C or a B for the class, definitely take AP... If you cant afford less than an A don't take it..</p>