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Is it a good idea to take AP Chem in highschool in hopes of going to college for exercise sciense/physical therapy?
#physical-therapy #exercise-science #college #highschool #college-advice
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Jeremy’s Answer
AP classes are generally very helpful to most students if you are confident in your knowledge and ability in that subject. If you are strong in science and math and rarely have trouble in those classes then I would take AP Chemistry and AP Physics B, at least. AP classes are a great tool so that you can obtain college credits and avoid taking college courses that might repeat things you already know. But of course these classes will probably come with more homework and you'll be covering more topics in a single semester than the regular chemistry class. But there are many different AP classes. If there are other AP classes offered in subjects you are stronger in like AP History or AP Language then I would take those. Even those AP credits will be useful because they will go towards your total credits and probably fulfill one general education requirement or another, even if you don't plan on being a History or English major.
If you decide to take AP classes make sure to obtain an AP review book either new, used or secondhand. This will be a helpful study tool when it comes time to pass the exam.
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Priya’s Answer
Hi Hannah, from my experience it can be helpful but not precisely necessary. The knowledge can help you prepare for college classes going in, but may not be a big deal in terms of credits when you get in. For example, I took AP Biology. The knowledge helped me in college, but because I made a 4 on the AP exam rather than a 5, I did not test out of the Intro to Bio 1 class. So I ended up taking a class with the same information in college anyways. AP classes CAN save you time and money if you score well, but I would not say they are necessary prior to college, just helpful. If you have access to dual classes, they may be a bit more helpful in my experience!
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Greg’s Answer
DPT programs generally require chemistry. In general, if you are up for the challenge of an AP class, such as AP Chemistry, then it may help you to stand out amongst your peers. If in the spring you take and pass the AP Chemistry exam, then you may find that your college accepts either its units or actually waives you out of the first chemistry course. Not all colleges will wave you out of a course just because you passed the equivalent AP exam. You need to check with the colleges you are applying to. On the upside, even if you are told you have to take chemistry again in college, you will find it easier than those who are taking the course for the first time which is usually nice.
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Erika’s Answer
Yes very helpful to get lower Chemistry classes out of the way and also save money on a class.
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Neemat’s Answer
Yes definitely! In general AP courses increase the chances of you getting into the college you want. If you score on the higher range 4/5 you could exempt yourself from taking lower division courses within that field. Taking the class looks good on your resume for college, but passing the AP Test gives you guaranteed tangible outcomes of not taking an additional class.