AP Chem Credit

[Kramer101]

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Has anyone here tested out of AP Chem and taken the credit? I really feel as though I thoroughly learned the material (I got a 5 on the test) and don't want to be bothered with taking it again --- BUT I realize medical schools often do not appreciate AP credit and want some form of each requirement taken at a university. Since I will be taking orgranic chemistry, is that satisfactory or should I take the general chemistry again? (For instance, even if you AP out of Biology, I realize you should still take it again OR take someting higher. Is organic chemistry enough?)

 

[jon stewart]

Has anyone here tested out of AP Chem and taken the credit? I really feel as though I thoroughly learned the material (I got a 5 on the test) and don't want to be bothered with taking it again --- BUT I realize medical schools often do not appreciate AP credit and want some form of each requirement taken at a university. Since I will be taking orgranic chemistry, is that satisfactory or should I take the general chemistry again? (For instance, even if you AP out of Biology, I realize you should still take it again OR take someting higher. Is organic chemistry enough?)

heyyy if ap means college level courses in hs, and you aced the ap test.... then why not take it again in college....you got a 5 on the ap test so i think you can handle it in college..besides ap classes dont mean anything, they dont really represent college courses, at least the ap chem and bio classes i took didnt relly represent what i was learning in college, but maybe thats me, and i do know that we didnt even do half the labs in hs that we did in college. Besides, does the ap credit even cover the chem lab componenet?

 

[Goran]

Hi. You'll need at least one additional semester of chem if you decide to AP out of intro chem. My pre-med advisor said that biochem should cover it. There's not much else offered at my school, aside from p-chem.

In studying for the mcat now, I think chem is my strongest subject, even though I haven't taken it since AP. So if you know what you're doing, and if your school offers alternate upper levels, I might do that.

Although I've known people who also got 5's on the AP and decided to take Intro Chem for the A...

 

[Kramer101]

Hi. You'll need at least one additional semester of chem if you decide to AP out of intro chem. My pre-med advisor said that biochem should cover it. There's not much else offered at my school, aside from p-chem.

In studying for the mcat now, I think chem is my strongest subject, even though I haven't taken it since AP. So if you know what you're doing, and if your school offers alternate upper levels, I might do that.

Although I've known people who also got 5's on the AP and decided to take Intro Chem for the A...

I know about the easy A etc. However, it would be nice to graduate in 3.5 years instead of 4 and save the $10,000 in tuition. I was just worried that medical schools want to see 2 years of chemistry, no less. But if only taking organic suffices, then it would be nice. I want to major in mathematics, and I really don't want to take anything again if I don't have to (and pay for it).

BTW - The AP Chem test got me credit for the lecture and lab (they checked my lab notebook from high school).

 

[Goran]

I know about the easy A etc. However, it would be nice to graduate in 3.5 years instead of 4 and save the $10,000 in tuition. I was just worried that medical schools want to see 2 years of chemistry, no less. But if only taking organic suffices, then it would be nice. I want to major in mathematics, and I really don't want to take anything again if I don't have to (and pay for it).

BTW - The AP Chem test got me credit for the lecture and lab (they checked my lab notebook from high school).

You're definitely gonna need more chem than just orgo, because orgo is a requirement in itself, so it can't cover your intro chem requirement as well. I completely agree with you on not taking anything again, I took every AP credit and went straight to the upper levels. Check to see which upper level chem class(es) you can take in lieu of the intro class. Most med schools want to see at least one semester of a college class for each pre-req you placed out of with APs.

It's the whole med school process that makes me view AP credits as more of a curse than a blessing sometimes. Good luck.

 

[sierra89]

Some schools require biochem AND 2 full years of chemistry. I was advised to take general chem, even though I had AP credit.

If you're concerned about the cost and the extra semester you'd have to be at school, take it during the summer at a state school and transfer the credit in. (Or perhaps you don't even need to transfer the college credit in, just send transcript to AMCAS when you apply.)

 

[WholeLottaGame7]

I realized halfway through my senior year that I had the same problem. However, my premed advisor (at a good school, she knows what she's talking about) informed me that in her many years of experience, the only school that had a problem with not taking the AP credit was MCW, and that wasn't an issue for me.

I also took orgo freshman year and 2 semesters biochem my junior year, and my PS score was decent, so I don't think med schools would be able to question my chem skills. If anything, I showed I challenged myself by taking orgo freshman year (and my GPA shows it, too 😡 ).

 

[Kramer101]

I really want to apply to a early desicion program my school offers (apply at the end of sophomore year), and this is what I'm planning if I take AP credit.

FRESH (Sem 1, Sem 2)
1. Bio 1,2 + Labs
2. Multivariable Calc, Linear Algebra
3. Statistics w/Calc, Intro to Comp Science
4. Required core class

SOPH
1. Organic Chem 1,2 + Labs
2. Physics (Calc Based) 1,2 + Labs
3. Required math classes
4. Required core class

I plan on taking physical chem junior year (I want to minor in chemistry) but will this plan put me on track for an early application? Keep in mind I want to major in math and possibly graduate early.

 

[Goran]

Some schools require biochem AND 2 full years of chemistry. I was advised to take general chem, even though I had AP credit.

I didn't know this. Are these the schools that have biochem as a requirement in and of itself? 😕

 

[Goran]

I really want to apply to a early desicion program my school offers (apply at the end of sophomore year), and this is what I'm planning if I take AP credit.

FRESH (Sem 1, Sem 2)
1. Bio 1,2 + Labs
2. Multivariable Calc, Linear Algebra
3. Statistics w/Calc, Intro to Comp Science
4. Required core class

SOPH
1. Organic Chem 1,2 + Labs
2. Physics (Calc Based) 1,2 + Labs
3. Required math classes
4. Required core class

I plan on taking physical chem junior year (I want to minor in chemistry) but will this plan put me on track for an early application? Keep in mind I want to major in math and possibly graduate early.

If you're taking p-chem, you're set because that covers your chem requirement. You've got no problem there.

 

[dajimmers]

Yeah, you will need additional chem (with lab) if you take the AP, and Orgo and Biochem don't count. If you stick to your planned schedule, I'd recommend, and some schools require:

Genetics
Biochem
English (some require 2 semesters)
Other non-science courses (Social Science, Psychology, upper-level bio, Ethics)

 

[dajimmers]

I didn't know this. Are these the schools that have biochem as a requirement in and of itself? 😕

Yeah, schools like UofM require Biochem, and many (all that I know of) don't consider Biochem to be Chem. At some schools it can count as Orgo II, and sometimes it can be used for upper-level Bio credit if you have AP, but it's never good for gen chem.

 

[vicinihil]

Why does it seem like pre-meds don't want to go big but just want a sure footing and a good grade. Because he got a 5 on the AP exam, it means he knows it, so move on to bigger better things like orgo or analytical or physical chemistry. Why bother with a gen chem course? It seems like the med schools that are anal about ap credit are few and out of the PRESTIGIOUS ones, im sure there is at least half of them that will accept ap credit.

Also taking more advance classes early avoids conflicting hard classes like having to take physiology with orgo or other toughies together. Getting orgo over with also opens the door to other courses you may be aspiring to take like biochemistry, medicinal chemistry etc etc.

I KNOW YOU'RE INTERESTED TO LEARN!!!! RIGHT?!

 

[Karim]

Is there a way to find out my AP scores for free (online or via phone)? I think my parents misplaced the score report...either that or it hasn't come in the mail yet...

 

[Goran]

Yeah, schools like UofM require Biochem, and many (all that I know of) don't consider Biochem to be Chem. At some schools it can count as Orgo II, and sometimes it can be used for upper-level Bio credit if you have AP, but it's never good for gen chem.

Is it possible that this varies by undergrad institution? My pre-med advisor (she knows what she's doing, we have a great pre-med committee) said that biochem would be enough for upper level chem.

Kramer, maybe you should also talk to your advisor asap, in that case.

 

[Goran]

Is there a way to find out my AP scores for free (online or via phone)? I think my parents misplaced the score report...either that or it hasn't come in the mail yet...

I'm pretty sure you can do it by phone. Check the collegeboard website.

 

[sierra89]

I didn't know this. Are these the schools that have biochem as a requirement in and of itself? 😕

What I meant by my previous post was that some schools require a course in biochemistry in addition to two years of chemistry (one year of g-chem and one year of o-chem). One example is UCI: http://www.ucihs.uci.edu/admissions/admissionsInformation/admissionsRequirments.html

 

[Iwy Em Hotep]

Has anyone here tested out of AP Chem and taken the credit? I really feel as though I thoroughly learned the material (I got a 5 on the test) and don't want to be bothered with taking it again --- BUT I realize medical schools often do not appreciate AP credit and want some form of each requirement taken at a university. Since I will be taking orgranic chemistry, is that satisfactory or should I take the general chemistry again? (For instance, even if you AP out of Biology, I realize you should still take it again OR take someting higher. Is organic chemistry enough?)

Story time.

When I graduated high school, I felt like a chemistry god. I got a 5 on the AP Chem test. An 800 on the SAT II Chem test. The highest grade in my class. Life was good.

I went to my state college and enrolled in the honors general chemistry sequence. First day, I went to the professor and asked to be given credit for the class, since I felt like I knew it all. He said okay, and we made an appointment for me to take a test.

I totally got the crap kicked out of me on that test. There were questions involving infinite series, partial differential equations, and ugly metallic chemistry equations. It was bad.

The moral of this story is that AP is great preparation, but college level classes are usually harder, especially if you push yourself. So I would be wary about testing out of the class. Considering taking the sequence again, and knowing it really well.

 

[bbake87]

Has anyone here tested out of AP Chem and taken the credit? I really feel as though I thoroughly learned the material (I got a 5 on the test) and don't want to be bothered with taking it again --- BUT I realize medical schools often do not appreciate AP credit and want some form of each requirement taken at a university. Since I will be taking orgranic chemistry, is that satisfactory or should I take the general chemistry again? (For instance, even if you AP out of Biology, I realize you should still take it again OR take someting higher. Is organic chemistry enough?)

Kramer, take as much science as possible - even if you test outta something. It'll be huge come MCAT time especially if you're crap at retaining material like yours truly

William Paul Bake Esquire III
CCOM 2009

 

[bbake87]

I really want to apply to a early desicion program my school offers (apply at the end of sophomore year), and this is what I'm planning if I take AP credit.

FRESH (Sem 1, Sem 2)
1. Bio 1,2 + Labs
2. Multivariable Calc, Linear Algebra
3. Statistics w/Calc, Intro to Comp Science
4. Required core class

SOPH
1. Organic Chem 1,2 + Labs
2. Physics (Calc Based) 1,2 + Labs
3. Required math classes
4. Required core class

I plan on taking physical chem junior year (I want to minor in chemistry) but will this plan put me on track for an early application? Keep in mind I want to major in math and possibly graduate early.

P.S. ENJOY COLLEGE! If you like Calc by all means take it, but the majority of med schools don't require it. Also, P-chem (also not a requirement unless you major in Chem at most universities) is a b-itch, I'd recommend Analytical as it overlaps muchso w/the MCAT. I took O-chem and Physics in the same semester. The rest of your classes should be gen eds as physics and ochem are quite time consuming

 

[Goran]

Story time.

When I graduated high school, I felt like a chemistry god. I got a 5 on the AP Chem test. An 800 on the SAT II Chem test. The highest grade in my class. Life was good.

I went to my state college and enrolled in the honors general chemistry sequence. First day, I went to the professor and asked to be given credit for the class, since I felt like I knew it all. He said okay, and we made an appointment for me to take a test.

I totally got the crap kicked out of me on that test. There were questions involving infinite series, partial differential equations, and ugly metallic chemistry equations. It was bad.

The moral of this story is that AP is great preparation, but college level classes are usually harder, especially if you push yourself. So I would be wary about testing out of the class. Considering taking the sequence again, and knowing it really well.

You had infinite series and partial differential equations in your intro chem class? I don't think I've ever seen anything like that in a college gen chem textbook..

I took AP chem, and I was able to help out my friends who were taking intro chem at my university. It didn't look much different. But that depends on your high school. Some schools teach just to the exam, and I don't think that's enough.

 

[Goran]

P.S. ENJOY COLLEGE! If you like Calc by all means take it, but the majority of med schools don't require it. Also, P-chem (also not a requirement unless you major in Chem at most universities) is a b-itch, I'd recommend Analytical as it overlaps muchso w/the MCAT. I took O-chem and Physics in the same semester. The rest of your classes should be gen eds as physics and ochem are quite time consuming

What's in analytical chem? I might want to take another upper level chem, just to be safe, and because I kind of enjoyed chem.