5 answers
Colten
Student
Antwerp, Ohio
3
Questions
Asked
1024 views
Do I have to take Chemistry first before I can take AP Chemistry in high school?
I'm trying to figure out my schedule for the rest of my 2 years of high school. I'm trying to become a Physical Therapist.
5 answers
Karissa Helton
Teacher
205
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
No. You can't take both. Your counselor will only place you in AP Chemistry if you did well in Biology.
Kathy Liu
Software Engineer
3
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Kathy’s Answer
You absolutely don't have to worry about taking Chemistry before you dive into AP Chemistry. Just go straight ahead with AP Chemistry, and remember, you've got this! Best of luck to you!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Colton !
It's wonderful to know that you are working on your schedule for 11th and 12th grade ! I would like to give you some advice as it applies to your interest in becoming a Physical Therapist which is a most exciting and rewarding career !
You don't really have to take AP courses in high school in order to realize you ultimate dream career as a physical therapist. You can look at your grades from 9th, and 10th grade human sciences like biology and if they are excellent, you probably would do well in AP chemistry. If they are average, it's no need to worry, but consider if you want overall good grades in high school or okay grades while taking more demanding courses. Base it on what you want to do and how much studying you want to do. It's your choice.
What would also be helpful in making decisions about the courses to take would be to explore the requirements of the college you intend to apply to. See if AP courses are necessary. If they are, talk to your high school guidance counselor about taking the AP Chemistry. If AP classes are not necessary, consider taking non-AP Chemistry. Also think of the work and study load of your other classes in 11th and 12th grade. Only you know what will work for you.
Something that you may want to do just for the fun of it and to see how you do is to take some practice chemistry tests to gauge your level. The following are links to some of these tests that you can do online: https://www.thoughtco.com/questions-on-basic-chemistry-quiz-609618
https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=practice-chemistry-test
https://play.howstuffworks.com/quiz/can-you-pass-basic-chemistry-test
https://www.varsitytutors.com/college_chemistry-practice-tests
These tests will give you an idea of where you currently are and perhaps will inspire a decision to take AP Chemistry or non-AP Chemistry.
No matter what you decide, I wish you all the best and know that you will do well !
It's wonderful to know that you are working on your schedule for 11th and 12th grade ! I would like to give you some advice as it applies to your interest in becoming a Physical Therapist which is a most exciting and rewarding career !
You don't really have to take AP courses in high school in order to realize you ultimate dream career as a physical therapist. You can look at your grades from 9th, and 10th grade human sciences like biology and if they are excellent, you probably would do well in AP chemistry. If they are average, it's no need to worry, but consider if you want overall good grades in high school or okay grades while taking more demanding courses. Base it on what you want to do and how much studying you want to do. It's your choice.
What would also be helpful in making decisions about the courses to take would be to explore the requirements of the college you intend to apply to. See if AP courses are necessary. If they are, talk to your high school guidance counselor about taking the AP Chemistry. If AP classes are not necessary, consider taking non-AP Chemistry. Also think of the work and study load of your other classes in 11th and 12th grade. Only you know what will work for you.
Something that you may want to do just for the fun of it and to see how you do is to take some practice chemistry tests to gauge your level. The following are links to some of these tests that you can do online: https://www.thoughtco.com/questions-on-basic-chemistry-quiz-609618
https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=practice-chemistry-test
https://play.howstuffworks.com/quiz/can-you-pass-basic-chemistry-test
https://www.varsitytutors.com/college_chemistry-practice-tests
These tests will give you an idea of where you currently are and perhaps will inspire a decision to take AP Chemistry or non-AP Chemistry.
No matter what you decide, I wish you all the best and know that you will do well !
Shirley L
Accountant
64
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Shirley’s Answer
Hi Colten,
I took Chemistry as a sophomore and passed the AP Chemistry exam as a junior. Chemistry class helped me build a foundational understanding of the subject. Some topics in AP Chem are not taught in general chemistry class such as buffers. I recommend taking Chemistry class first and see whether you enjoy the class or not before taking the AP Chem course. The AP Chem exam is one of the most difficult AP classes offered, and it's a great course if you're looking for a challenge. Once you feel ready for the AP Chem exam, if you have time, try sitting for the SATII Chem exam. It's will be an easier version of the AP Chem exam, but offers a great refresher.
From my AP Chem experience, I really enjoyed the science experiments we conducted in class, including elephant's toothpaste and heating magnesium in a crucible. As my teacher once said, "Chem-is-try."
Check out the college board's website for old exam questions and test prep tips.
I took Chemistry as a sophomore and passed the AP Chemistry exam as a junior. Chemistry class helped me build a foundational understanding of the subject. Some topics in AP Chem are not taught in general chemistry class such as buffers. I recommend taking Chemistry class first and see whether you enjoy the class or not before taking the AP Chem course. The AP Chem exam is one of the most difficult AP classes offered, and it's a great course if you're looking for a challenge. Once you feel ready for the AP Chem exam, if you have time, try sitting for the SATII Chem exam. It's will be an easier version of the AP Chem exam, but offers a great refresher.
From my AP Chem experience, I really enjoyed the science experiments we conducted in class, including elephant's toothpaste and heating magnesium in a crucible. As my teacher once said, "Chem-is-try."
Check out the college board's website for old exam questions and test prep tips.
Hema Ranganathan
Solution Architect
6
Answers
Middletown, New Jersey
Updated
Hema’s Answer
If your school provides that opportunity to take Chemistry prior to AP Chemistry, my advice would be to take it.
Taking the basics will make AP Chemistry Easy since AP is a college level course. Best wishes
Taking the basics will make AP Chemistry Easy since AP is a college level course. Best wishes
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