Should I Consider Taking AP Chemistry for a Future in Paleontology or Biology?

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SUMMARY

Taking AP Chemistry is highly recommended for students pursuing majors in paleontology or biology due to the foundational role chemistry plays in these fields. Despite concerns about the difficulty of the AP Chemistry exam and the quality of instruction, the benefits of understanding chemical principles outweigh these reservations. Self-studying AP Chemistry is a viable option, and resources like Linus Pauling's "General Chemistry" can enhance comprehension beyond the exam material.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic chemistry concepts
  • Familiarity with high school science curriculum
  • Ability to self-study effectively
  • Knowledge of AP exam formats and expectations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research AP Chemistry exam structure and scoring
  • Explore Linus Pauling's "General Chemistry" for deeper insights
  • Investigate college requirements for paleontology and biology majors
  • Look into study groups or tutoring options for AP Chemistry
USEFUL FOR

High school students considering a future in paleontology or biology, educators advising students on course selections, and anyone interested in the importance of chemistry in scientific disciplines.

chez_butt23
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I am a junior in high school with a 4.1 GPA. I am seriously considering either paleontology or some kind of biology as a major in college. I have read that as a future science major, I should take as many science courses as possible in high school.

I know I will need to use chemistry in either of the majors listed above, and I am wondering if I should take AP chemistry. My reservations are that I do not know if the teacher is any good and I have heard that the AP Chem test is the hardest of all the AP tests. I also do not truly enjoy chemistry, but am willing to suffer through it for other sciences.
 
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I am self-studying AP Chem this year. If you decide to do it, I strongly recommend Linus Pauling's book "General Chemistry". It covers tons of stuff that is definitely not on the exam and is a bit out of date, but the quality is simply superb.
 

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