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Diksha
Student
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How recommended is it to take AP Chemistry in high school?
I want to pursue a career in the medical field (specifically psychology, pediatrics, neurology, or psychiatry), but I also want to take many elective courses that I will enjoy in high school. For that, I won't have room in my schedule to take AP Chem, since it takes up two periods. I am also worried about the workload and the difficulty of the course, since I've heard it's one of the hardest AP courses to take. However, how much will taking it help build a foundation of knowledge for taking the MCAT? If it is enough, I may consider taking it.
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Robert Rossi
Many things! But mostly chemistry and chemical engineering
51
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Robert’s Answer
For many years I was responsible for deciding who got to bypass the introductory chemistry course at a college, based on previous chemistry experience including AP scores. An AP score by itself was not automatic, but most students who took an AP course qualified. However, I tried to talk them out of it, and most students agreed (after the fact, both those who "retook" chemistry and those who skipped one or both semesters of introductory chemistry) that taking college-level introductory chemistry "again" in college was a very good idea. It was taught at a different level of thinking, and was not redundant. Doing so also gave the students a chance to focus on "College 101" in their first year, rather than a harder chemistry course that they had holes in their preparation for. For pre-meds, critically, it also helped ensure a high GPA. This does not mean that taking AP Chem is a bad idea; what it means is that college placement/credit is not a good reason for doing so, at least at a good college. (The only exception possibly being if graduating early, even if you learn less, is really, really important to you.)
If you have the ability to handle any AP course, what I recommend guide your decision about whether to take it is who is teaching it. Always choose the best teacher you can, and focus on learning the course material: really understanding it. THAT is what pays dividends in the long run. AP courses often have strong teachers that focus less on memorization and more on understanding, but not always. In chemistry (and most sciences), those are the teachers you want to take your courses from, whatever level they are teaching. AP courses can also have the benefit of a class peer group that is more interested and engaged in the subject, which can really help. But if you have a bunch of "I don't care about <topic>, I just want the credit" students in there, in can actually be worse than the mainline section.
Talk to students currently taking chemistry from the person who would be teaching the AP Chem course. What are the vibe and the course like? Compare that with the other options open to you, and choose wisely.
If you have the ability to handle any AP course, what I recommend guide your decision about whether to take it is who is teaching it. Always choose the best teacher you can, and focus on learning the course material: really understanding it. THAT is what pays dividends in the long run. AP courses often have strong teachers that focus less on memorization and more on understanding, but not always. In chemistry (and most sciences), those are the teachers you want to take your courses from, whatever level they are teaching. AP courses can also have the benefit of a class peer group that is more interested and engaged in the subject, which can really help. But if you have a bunch of "I don't care about <topic>, I just want the credit" students in there, in can actually be worse than the mainline section.
Robert recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, Robert!
Diksha
Chibueze Daniel Ekpemandu
Graduate Nurse
5
Answers
San Fernando, Ilocos Region, Philippines
Updated
Chibueze Daniel’s Answer
No knowledge is a waste but some knowledge can set the hand of clock back. Prioritize Interest and passion over extra curricular desires. AP CHEM. is good, it gives you insights and keep you on awareness but do you really think is where your passion is calibrating?, if yes, push through but if know, keep it till your passion and interest is accomplished.
Once you got your passion, then you can purse as an added knowledge.
Once you got your passion, then you can purse as an added knowledge.
Tonya Lawrence, PhD, MSN, RN, CNM
Nurse,Mentor,Educator,Leader
75
Answers
Updated
Tonya’s Answer
Great question.
Many years ago, I completed AP Biology in high school with the realization that I would pursue a career in healthcare. The AP class was challenging with the need for extra time to study above other non-AP classes. At the same time, due to an excellent teacher, she made the class interactive and her passion for the topic also excited everyone in the class as well. The biggest advantage I found in taking AP biology was, the AP credits applied to college credits in my undergraduate program. This meant, I did not have to take college Biology and Biology lab in freshman year. I was able to take elective credits earlier to satisfy my degree and saved money. Check with the colleges you are interested in attending and the website I provided below, to see if your AP classes/credits would apply towards your degree of interest.
For the MCAT, there will be AP chem information that may assist in answering question(s). At the same time, if you wait to take chemistry in college you will acquire the information at that time as well. And, as you approach taking MCAT, you will use MCAT study books/online material to help you prepare. The program you enroll, may also have you take additional classes such as Biochemistry.
If you are not ready to make the commitment, focus, and manage challenges with the work for an AP class, it may not be the right time for you. If you determine that taking the AP class now will set you up for advantages in the future for college, then commit, focus now, and sign up for the AP class. Also, if you need a tutor to support you in challenges the AP class may bring, find a tutor early, and do not wait for the challenges to arrive later during the school year.
Looking at long term advantages verse short term satisfaction may help you decide.
Reference
College Board (2022) AP Students
https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/getting-credit-placement
Many years ago, I completed AP Biology in high school with the realization that I would pursue a career in healthcare. The AP class was challenging with the need for extra time to study above other non-AP classes. At the same time, due to an excellent teacher, she made the class interactive and her passion for the topic also excited everyone in the class as well. The biggest advantage I found in taking AP biology was, the AP credits applied to college credits in my undergraduate program. This meant, I did not have to take college Biology and Biology lab in freshman year. I was able to take elective credits earlier to satisfy my degree and saved money. Check with the colleges you are interested in attending and the website I provided below, to see if your AP classes/credits would apply towards your degree of interest.
For the MCAT, there will be AP chem information that may assist in answering question(s). At the same time, if you wait to take chemistry in college you will acquire the information at that time as well. And, as you approach taking MCAT, you will use MCAT study books/online material to help you prepare. The program you enroll, may also have you take additional classes such as Biochemistry.
If you are not ready to make the commitment, focus, and manage challenges with the work for an AP class, it may not be the right time for you. If you determine that taking the AP class now will set you up for advantages in the future for college, then commit, focus now, and sign up for the AP class. Also, if you need a tutor to support you in challenges the AP class may bring, find a tutor early, and do not wait for the challenges to arrive later during the school year.
Looking at long term advantages verse short term satisfaction may help you decide.
Reference
College Board (2022) AP Students
https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/getting-credit-placement
Thank you, Tonya! This is very helpful.
Diksha