I need some opinions. I am trying to advise someone that has placed out of Chem 101 & 102 based on their AP score. Should that person go ahead and take Ochem their first semester in college along with Physics 101? Do you all think it would be too much for someone to take in with just starting college? I am not sure what to recommend since I was not that smart, lol!! Appreciate any advice!!
Funny that you ask such a question. I was wondering something similiar. First off, Which semester, semester 1 or 2 of chem is easier? What is preferred, physics with ochem and microbiology or physiology with ochem and microbiology?
Keep in mind most pharmacy schools will not accept AP courses as a substitute for their prerequisites. Even if your friend aced the AP exams in gen. chem, the schools will likely require him/her to either take a more advanced course in chem, perhaps beyond organic chemistry at one point, or more likely, request to take the gen. chem sequence at the college or university your friend attends. In reference to taking a course such as organic chemistry the first semester, if he is mature enough, extremely dedicated to studying while limiting leisure time, and has an aptitude for chemistry as reflected by his AP score, then I don't see any problem with taking the course. Let your friend know that in the event he decides to do this, he should take a balanced course load consisting of difficult/challenging courses, intermediate difficulty courses, and easy courses. For example, he could take organic 1 with lab, which you could say is pretty challenging, two other other courses that are not too difficult but not easy as well, and one course that is not that demanding. Ultimately though, like I said, the answer lies with your friend. Only he or she knows what he can handle. Most would recommend an incoming college freshman not to tackle such courses as organic initiallybecause the first year is more of an adaptation process and getting settled into the college atmosphere. However, as I stated above, this really depends on the individual, so it is a very personal decision. Personally, I would have taken ochem my freshman year if I had the chance. Then again, I know myself and no one knows better than yourself.
