smder99

I'm a prospective Chemistry and Physics major deciding about which Physics class to take next year.

I've taken both AP Physics C classes (with 5s) but the highest level of math I've taken is BC Calc...with some ease.

What classes do you recommend I start with?

Math 21 or 23?
Physics 16 or 15a?



And for organic chemistry...I got a 5 in AP Chem, should I do the Chem 17/27 or the 20/30 route?

I'm thinking of jumping straight into O-chem and not taking the intro Life Science courses. Any suggestions? Opinions?

gj12789

So there's a mandatory math placement test all freshmen have to take. if you've done well in bc, you'll probably be recommended math 21/23/25. discussing math 21 v. 23 w/ my friends. math 23 is for the more physics/math oriented people, and most people consider it much more difficult than 21, as you actually have to do proofs, etc. if you're chem/phys, probably 23 is a good bet if you're into math. i took 21 because i'm an econ major who wants to take more math intensive econ classes that have 21 as a prerequisite.

Admiral

Hi,

If you're undecided between 15a and 16, I strongly recommend trying out 16. In fact, in the first day of 15a, they recommend that anyone who is remotely considering 16 try it out. You don't have to sign up for anything, so if you find it goes over your head you can switch to 15a the second week (you won't miss anything important- it's what I did).

Having said that, 16 is an incredibly difficult course, so don't feel bad at all if you decide on 15a. But don't be scared off if you like it!

17 and 20 are both quite difficult, and a score on the AP doesn't really tell that much. It depends whether you're interested in biology and chemistry (17) or physics and chemistry (20). So for you, 20 might be a better fit.