nepop

SoCaDad--I think a lot of good schools are giving that same advice. Based on my own long ago experience and the experience of a number of kids I know, I agree that a high school AP class is not a substitute for a rigorous college class. I know two kids who graduated in the top 5 of their high school classes with 5's on AP science and math tests who opted out of intro math and science classes when they went to college. They both got crushed, they simply were not prepared for second semester/year college level work in subjects like calculus and chemistry--one switched from being a science major to a business major and dropped long time plans to attend med school, the other transferred at least in part because the acdemic experience was so difficult. I think the AP "system" does a lot of kids a real disservice in this sense.

SoCaDad

nepop - You summed it up well. Our S graduated in 2011 and he was very glad that he took the introductory courses in the sciences. One of the smartest decisions he made at Grinnell. And he went to a rigororous college prep school that prepared him well for college.

M's Mom

S's experience matches your S's, SoCaDad. 5s on the science APs - and very glad he took the intro science courses at Grinnell. He notes that a friend attending our local, well-regarded state u's intro chem course covered only half the material that his course covered in the same amount of time.

SoCaDad

M's Mom - The fact your S covered twice the amount of material as his friend did in Intro Chem is quite an acknowledgement to the academic rigors that Grinnell students face. I knew my S had worked hard at Grinnell but this puts all his effort into a new perspective. It's no wonder that Grinnell grads are well prepared for graduate school and professional school. They really do get a first-rate education.

mommaoftwo

Back to the topic of the thread- GPA at Grinnell. my D has no intent of placing out of her science classes with her AP scores. Just having extra credits might give her a bit of flexibility in her course selection. Would love to hear from othe science majors about GPA!

480586

It is impossible to AP out of Intro Bio because they use it as an opportunity to use it as an introduction to scientific inquiry. It is also interesting because you get to learn in depth on one specific biological area such as biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance.

I did AP out of Intro Chem after getting a 5 and it worked out well.

mommaoftwo

Yes, the website is clear that AP bio doesn't cover Intro to Bio. The question on the thread is about GPA. Thanks though!