USABO, AP Chem,and Acadec...oh my!

sophomore120164
Mon, 03 May 2010 17:40:49 +0000

Hi! First of all, let me say THANK YOU for reading this….I really need help and I appreciate your advice.
Just to give you some background on me and my capabilities (this is relevant, promise): I am a sophomore now, 1st in my class, 4.0 GPA, and have done very well in prior academic competitions (2nd in state) and I am accustomed to having to independently study things….self-studied 3 APs this year because our school only offers several AP classes.
That being said, I have 2 options:

1. For my AP Science Course take AP Chem which is a very demanding course @ our school, so it would be better to
take Junior Year due to course load circumstances. Also, I took Chem 10 this year so it would be better to have the
continuity.

2. Take AP Bio. The benefits of this (correct me if you feel I am mistaken):
a. AP Environmental Sci……I have heard there is a close correlation between this and AP Bio so I would more easily
be able to self-study for this test
b. SAT II Tests….I am better at Biology so it my SAT II scores would be better than if I took Chem (plus there’s
both E and M)
c. And the BIG One: USABO (disregarding this one, I would probably take AP Chem)
USABO is something that I’ve wanted to attempt for quite some time. I would take college classes over the summer and I am willing to put in the time necessary.

Problems:

1. AP Chem (as stated above)

2.Someone told me that people have been studying for USABO/IBO since 8th grade so I would I even stand a chance? I have taken classes before but no extensive study. So would it be better to devote my time to Academic Decathlon (my main EC), classes, and other ECs, instead of even attempting USABO (even though I would very much like to )

So here’s where your advice comes in! Thanks again….I’m from a small school and no one even knew what SAT II tests were, let alone USABO/IBO so I really appreciate any advice?

Additional Questions that may influence decision:

1. How much of USABO is focused on humans vs. plants and animals?

2. What are USABO labs like?

3. Hooks….(yes I know I am probably going to get lectured for letting college admissions play a factor) but I would like to
develop a biology hook and really all I have so far is volunteering @ hospital so I feel like I need this
4.You are allowed to take college classes and still be eligible for USABO/IBO correct? Is there a limit?

4. Again college apps….but I have to ask. Say that I only make the highest 150 (something like honorable mention is it?)
would that be impressive or a skim-over type thing (but I’m hoping to do better than that)

And I would like to stress that I’m not doing this simply for college apps but because I enjoy biology and such competitions. (Btw, I did post a prior thread about IBO but this one is not redundant…so I apologize if you previously read that one). Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Any advice greatly appreciated….