<p>I am a bit worried about going to u of m without taking an AP science (it would not fit in my schedule this year). I do not plan on pursuing science as a career, yet I would like the credits before attending next fall. Also, I am worried that I will be in a science class with students who are on the “lower” end of the spectrum (not to sound arrogant). Am I completely wrong in my thinking? Please do not take this the wrong way. Hopefully I articulated my thoughts as best as I can. Your responses/ input are greatly appreciated :)</p>
<p>Situation 1: Your classmates have not taken AP classes</p>
<p>Did you ever think that people may consider you a lower-tier science student given that you’ve never taken any AP science classes? If you refute this statement in order to defend yourself, then you should see why your original statement as it applies to others is flawed as well.</p>
<p>Situation 2: Your classmates have taken AP classes</p>
<p>You may, in fact, be in classes with people who have already taken the corresponding AP class (e.g. people who have taken AP physics (mechanics) and attend Physics 140/160) and therefore are more well-versed in the material than you are. There’s really no way of knowing whether or not your classmates in the intro courses have taken AP exams and/or AP classes short of asking them.</p>
<p>If you’re not convinced, then just sign up for honors sections of courses or skip the intro courses all together. For example, Physics 160 and 260 are the honors equivalents of 140 and 240. In terms of chemistry, if you do well on the placement test, you may be able to convince your advisor to put you in organic chemistry. Organic chemistry even has honors sections if you take it during the fall (orgo 1) and winter (orgo 2).</p>
<p>So, your ‘problem’ may not even exist, and if it does, it is entirely avoidable.</p>
<p>I’m not a moron and I find Orgo sufficiently (rather, substantially) difficult. Other smart people do as well. Other smart people find Physics 140/160 difficult. Unless you’re the type of person qualified for Harvard and MIT, I doubt you’ll find these classes too easy. And if you do, great, you’ll get an A.</p>