What AP exams are worth taking?

valecollegorian
Sat, 12 May 2007 00:39:02 +0000

reply to abhim -> No: AP credit does not affect your GPA. If you have it, it shows on your transcript, otherwise, it’s just not there.

I had the book I used for my high school Bio and Chem (which might help because I was more familiar with the books). I also bought the current edition of the biol and chem book (which are 7th Ed. of Campbell and 5th Ed. of Zumdahl I suppose).

Campbell doesn’t have much practice problems in the textbooks. You can get old exams from old exam file at the penntutoring center.

For chem: I think it’s really important to actually have the Z. book, because exams really use questions of Z’s style. Also, if you don’t know “particle in a box” model for quantum mechanics, you should read that chapter in the Z. book.

I bought the book from the bookstore when I got to campus, used it to study for the test and returned it before the end of the add/drop period. I got full refund except for the tax. :)

For physics: you can convert AP credit for Physics C (Phys93 and 94) into full credit (150 or 151 respectively) by adding the lab component (either show them the lab waiver or taking the lab).
For Biol: you can use Biol91 (AP) + lab + (121 or 122).

Whatever, even if you place out of a whole lot before your first semester, I still recommend taking lower level classes your first semester or fulfilling your other requirements first. You’re more likely to bust things up the first semester (believe me, people do), so plan accordingly.