<p>How tough are they? is it all talent or can you do well on them by studying? advice? I’m not the smartest of kids and had a high school gpa of 3.4 but I did really well in ap bio</p>
<p>DD said that the kids who did well in the chem classes she took studied A LOT.</p>
<p>I think having a strong high school background in the sciences helps a lot.</p>
<p>And attending office hours helps too. Tutoring is free - just need to avail yourself.</p>
<p>The big thing is to not slack off-- don’t leave HW to the night before, take more than a day to study for exams, and DEFINITELY do office hours or at least be on emailing terms with your professor and/or TA.</p>
<p>It’s college, it’s harder than high school, so expect to do more work.</p>
<p>Should I take AP Physics C or AP* chem to prepare me for college at pitt?</p>
<p>AP Physics C really isn’t necessary in high school, unless you want to get the credit for being a chem or physics major. (I don’t know what other majors require calc-based physics, but even with chem it’s flexible.) Personally, I’d hold off on calc-based physics unless you’re absolutely sure you need it.</p>
<p>AP Chem is definitely helpful. I took AP Chem my senior year of high school, got a 5 on the AP exam, then took Gen. Chem at Pitt and got an easy A. (I chose not to take advantage of my AP credit in the science courses.) I feel like Gen. Chem at Pitt isn’t completely ridiculous, so the background I had from AP Chem helped me to do well in those classes. Granted, I’m a chem major, so that’s kind of my forte. :)</p>
<p>Clarinetz- you are one of the first people to really help me out haha, have you take physics yet? I know a TA in the sciences at PITT and he told me to go for physics because loads of people fail.</p>
<p>I feel like physics can really go either way. It really depends on the professor. Freshman year I took Physics 1, had an easy professor, and got an A. Unfortunately he moved to California… </p>
<p>This past semester (my junior year) I took Physics 2 with this brand new professor. He was the most incompetent professor I ever had. I managed a B+ in the class because he curved to make up for the fact that he had no idea how to make a test. Anyway, the point of this little story is that in the physics department it’s kind of a crapshoot. At least from the experience of me and my friends.</p>
<p>Just out of curiosity, do you know what you might want to major in yet? I’m assuming you’re a high school junior since you’re deciding on AP classes for next year…</p>
<p>If i get into pitt its most likely going to be Neurological Studies or biology</p>
<p>If i get into pitt its most likely going to be Neurological Studies or biology. I will also participate in the pre-med track</p>
<p>Calc-physics is also required for any Engineering degree.</p>
<p>I’d agree with AP Chem over AP Physics, if you don’t need calc-physics, don’t take it.</p>
<p>BUT I also agree that the physics teachers are hit or miss (from what I’ve heard). Plus, I’m pretty sure the MCAT is calc-physics (you mentioned being pre-med) so-- take that into consideration.</p>
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<p>The MCAT tests only algebra-based physics. You don’t need to take calc-based for medical school or the MCAT.</p>
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<p>Ah. Unfortunately, then, it is the algebra-based physics professors that are hit-or-miss at Pitt (my pre-med friends have many stories…). Oh well.</p>
<p>I’m in the process of getting ready to apply to medical schools so I could give my 2cents.I got a C- in bio 2 and finished organic chemistry 1 with an A, go figure. The difference came down to nothing else but my study habits. Do not underestimate the amount of work you will have to put in like I did, because you will be competing against hundreds of other kids who want to become a doctor just as bad. I too was not the smartest person ever, maybe above average but not a genius by any means. Also, before you arrive at school I would look at the major requirements for both majors, neuroscience will require many more difficult classes than biology. [Majors</a>, Minors, and Certificates](<a href=“http://www.asundergrad.pitt.edu/advising/majors-minors.html]Majors”>http://www.asundergrad.pitt.edu/advising/majors-minors.html)</p>
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<p>Really REALLY good advice right here.</p>