Is taking classes I'm interested in in order to get ahead a good idea?
I am a rising sophomore in high school and I am interested in science and want to eventually be in the medical field. There is an opportunity to take chemistry over the summer at my school (details - it is in person/has 180 hours of instruction + some homework/the teacher is good). The benefit of taking it for me would be getting to do an AP science next year (I am currently only signed up for AP world) and balancing out my schedule for junior/senior year so I have enough space that has all the classes I want to do (which would include AP biology, AP chemistry, physics, and PLTW bio-med classes + medical ROP classes). I don't have a problem with the time commitment and I am willing to do extra work/get a tutor if I need to in order to keep up with the course. My only concern is that doing chemistry over the summer would make it seem like I am rushing through science and don't actually care about the subject and am just doing it to be able to take more AP classes/for credit. Does it make it seem this way to colleges/admissions if I eventually apply for something science related (like biology)?
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2 answers
No, in fact, it could only help. Not only would you be taking the course in the summer, showing dedication, you would also free up a slot for a different class, which will also be viewed as a positive. (As long as you don’t get a C or less in the course you end up taking by freeing up the time.)
If you are willing to take the time commitment in chem and brain power, absolutely! There is a copious amount of memorization such as certain properties in elements and substances - which was really hard for me to remember during the school year, and also a large amount of math needed to do in this course as well. But, if you are willing to put the effort into it, then it won't hurt you at all to take it during the summer. Taking these classes won't hurt you at all for college admissions, but rather help you. Using your time in the summer for a science class sounds like you're very passionate about it, so I don't see a problem. Many people do this too, and it's really just another class to take throughout high school. Again, this class can be a rigorous course at times and is an important part of AP chem so please soak in as much content as you can over the summertime if you do plan on taking it. Make sure you keep a good balance though and have fun through the summer!
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