<p>(I’m in my sophomore year of high school. ) So as of now, I’m pretty sure that I want to be a forensic science technician.
I’m planning to major in chemistry (I don’t know my minor yet. )
This may seem early to be asking this, but I don’t want to get behind so I want to make sure I’m on the right track. (: </p>
<p>Freshman year: 4.0 (Biology, English 9, Spanish 1, Physical Education, Graphic Design A, Geometry) (Club second semester only: CSF)</p>
<p>First Semester Sophomore Year (as of now): 4.0 (English 10, Chemistry, Aerobics, Spanish 2, Modern Civilizations, Alg 2/Trig) (Club: Viking Nation, CSF) </p>
<p>JUNIOR YEAR
Open/Open
American Literature
Spanish 3
Honors Pre-Calc
Honors Microbiology/Honors Molecular Genetics
US History
Graphic Design B/ROP Forensics (Advanced)</p>
<p>SENIOR YEAR
Open/Open
AP Physics B (A/B)
AP Calculus
Mythology and Folklore/Science Fiction
American Government/Economics
Yearbook (Extracurricular/If I can get in.)
(7. Senior Project/Open)</p>
<p>Then Key Club for community service/extracurricular in addition to CSF and hopefully NHS in my junior and senior year. </p>
<p>Should I take a period 1? If so, In general, what would be best to take? As far as academics/extracurricular (assuming I keep up grades) where would would I stand as far as chances to UC/Private colleges? What is the most important thing to focus on?</p>
<p>My school doesn’t offer AP Chemistry, just honors chemistry which is too late to transfer i to now because you can’t switch midsemester. I’m in regular chemistry now because at the beginning of this year/the end of last year I didn’t know I would want to go into chem.</p>
<p>Well… AP Chemistry certainly helps. But if they don’t offer it, see what other opportunities to study Chem exist in your area. Look at fun Chem-related activities you can do. Self-study. You don’t have to enjoy doing what you like by enjoying it through coursework. Self-exploration and discovery are just as fun and important.</p>
<p>I’d recommend self-studying AP chemistry. Once you’re done with that, you may want to look into taking Organic Chemistry in senior year at a local college (if your school allows that). You could also take the college equivalent of AP chemistry at a local college.</p>
<p>^ Umm, I wouldn’t recommend it… Self-studying AP Chemistry is a death trap.</p>
<p>You don’t need AP Chemistry. The classes you have listed are fine. you’re only a Sophomore, you have 2 more years. Take the classes you want and worry about majors/minors when the time comes.</p>
<p>Not at all. AP Chemistry is an easy AP, as it’s merely an amalgamation of 4-6 major topics. If you understand all of them, you’ll do fine. This is made much easier by the fact that you like chemistry!</p>
<p>Now I wouldn’t recommend self-studying AP Biology or AP Euro History. (or any other AP where memorization is key).</p>
<p>^ For us normal people lol AP Chemistry is really difficult, and I was told by students and counselors that self-studying would be really difficult. Personally, I don’t really the idea of self-studying anything in general.</p>
<p>What do you find difficult about AP Chemistry? Do you learn conceptually, or do you memorize equations? If you do the latter, then yes, AP Chemistry will be difficult. However, learning to apply the concepts trivializes it. (almost)
About self-studying: It’s an option the OP has. I was just suggesting it.</p>
<p>And I try to be a normal person lol. I do find AP Biology hard, but not AP Chemistry.</p>
<p>With AP Chemistry, it’s mostly about solving problems. I never find that to be too difficult. With AP Bio, you memorize an incredible load of stuff (made worse by the fact that my teacher goes into far more detail than an AP Bio course should). I like that, but it’s by no means easy.</p>
<p>If you are determined, I think it’s fine to study an AP course by yourself if the school doesn’t offer it. However it can be extremely difficult since there’s a ton of memorization involved and you might not understand a few topics (essay questions on the AP test require understanding).</p>
I’m in regular chemistry now because at the beginning of this year/the end of last year I didn’t know I would want to go into chem.</p>