Should I take AP Chem for Premed?

Yes, AP Chemistry is excellent for pre-med because it demonstrates academic rigor, prepares you for tough college science courses (like Organic Chemistry), and can help you place into higher-level classes, but you must check if your target medical schools accept AP credit to fulfill prerequisites, as many don't and prefer seeing strong grades in college-level foundational sciences. Taking AP Chem shows capability, but often you'll still need to take college General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry to get strong grades for med school applications.

Should I take AP Chem for pre-med?

Any optional electives are best taken in senior year… First a year of honors Chem, and then AP Chem would be the best preparation for pre- med courses.

Should I take AP Chem if I want to be a doctor?

In general, AP classes are great for helping make your college application competitive. Since you would like to become a Physician, I highly recommend taking science based AP courses - chemistry, biology, physics. Really focus on learning the content and maintaining good grades.

Do med schools accept AP Chem?

Medical schools encourage or sometimes require students with AP credit in biology, chemistry, and physics to take advanced courses to supplement their AP. We haven't found a school that required additional calculus. In fact, few schools require calculus at all—many require college math and/or stats.

What AP classes should I take for pre-med?

Most useful AP courses for pre-med in high school will be AP-Biology, AP-Chemistry, AP Calculus AB or BC (includes AB), AP-Physics (a few options here). Some colleges will provide you credit for introductory courses based on AP score.

HOW I RANKED TOP 1% AT MEDICAL SCHOOL - 7 study tips

What is the #1 hardest AP class?

While it varies by student, AP Physics 1 is frequently cited as the #1 hardest AP class due to low pass rates, complex algebra-based concepts, and intensive lab work, with other top contenders for difficulty including AP U.S. History, AP Environmental Science, and AP English Language. The difficulty often comes from content overload, conceptual depth, and demands for hands-on application, making it challenging for many students to score high. 

Is a 3.7 GPA too low for med school?

No, a 3.7 GPA is generally considered strong and competitive for medical school, but it's not a guarantee and becomes much stronger when paired with a high MCAT score and a robust science GPA. While MD school matriculant averages hover around 3.8+, a 3.7 is above the applicant average, especially if you show an upward trend in your grades, but a lower science GPA (BCPM) could raise concerns. 

Is AP Chem impressive to colleges?

It provides a deep understanding of chemical principles, enhances critical thinking skills, and can be impressive on college applications, especially for those interested in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields.

Does MIT accept AP Chem credit?

No credit is given for the AP Chemistry exam. No credit is given for the AP Computer Science exams. A score of 5 on the Calculus BC exam will grant you credit for 18.01. A score of 5 on the Calculus AB exam allows you to enroll in the accelerated Calculus sequence of 18.01A/18.02A.

Should I take AP Chem if I want to be a nurse?

Similarly, AP Chemistry is beneficial, as nurses need to understand medication interactions and compounds. Those two should likely be at the top of your list. For math, consider taking AP Statistics; it's highly valuable in nursing for understanding research and data in healthcare scenarios.

What doctor makes $500,000 a year?

Doctors in high-demand surgical and specialized fields like Orthopedics, Plastic Surgery, Radiology, Cardiology, and Gastroenterology often earn over $500,000 annually, with some top earners in Thoracic Surgery or Neurosurgery making significantly more, while even family doctors can reach this level through practice ownership or specialized services.
 

Is a B+ in orgo bad for med school?

A B+ in organic chemistry (Orgo) is generally not considered bad for medical school, but it's not ideal either; while a strong overall GPA, excellent MCAT, clinical experience, and research can offset it, a B+ signals good, not excellent, performance in a key pre-med weed-out course, so focus on excelling in other sciences and demonstrating strong problem-solving skills. 

Is AP Bio or Chem better?

In conclusion, both AP Biology and AP Chemistry are beneficial for students in preparing for their future careers and college applications. The choice between the two classes ultimately depends on the student's personal interests and strengths.

Should I take AP Chemistry if I want to be a doctor?

As you may have guessed, advanced curriculum classes are a great way to start. AP Biology and AP Chemistry, for example, align closely with the prerequisites for medical school and can help ease your transition into college-level science courses.

Is a 4 on AP Chem impressive?

Yes, a 4 on AP Chemistry is a very good score, considered "well qualified" by the College Board, often earning college credit and equivalent to a strong college grade (A- to B+). While a 5 is "extremely well qualified," a 4 shows strong mastery, but some competitive programs might prefer a 5 for skipping introductory courses, so always check specific university policies for credit. 

What major is best for pre-med?

While biology and chemistry are typically considered the best pre-med majors, pursuing a non-traditional path can set you apart from other applicants. Majors such as English, anthropology, or even art history might not seem like the obvious choice, but they allow you to develop a unique set of skills.

Is 1560 good enough for MIT?

Students who gain acceptance into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have an SAT score between 1520 and 1570.

Is 9 APs enough for the Ivy League?

Nine APs can be strong for an Ivy League application, but it's not a magic number; admissions focus on taking the most rigorous courses available at your school, so 9 is competitive if it represents maximizing your opportunities alongside excellent grades, scores, and extracurriculars, while many successful applicants take 10-14+ APs, often in core subjects. Quality, balance, and demonstration of intellectual curiosity matter more than just quantity. 

Does NYU accept AP Chem?

New York University. Students may receive college credit for AP Exams taken prior to the completion of high school and with results of 5 or 4.

Is AP Chem just gen chem?

Learn what AP® Chemistry covers, its prerequisites, exam format, and difficulty to see if it fits your academic journey well. AP® Chemistry is equivalent to an introductory college-level general chemistry course.

Is taking AP Chem worth it?

AP Chem can strengthen your application, especially if you plan to pursue a STEM-related field. 3. College credit: Earning a high score on the AP Chemistry exam may enable you to receive college credit or potentially place out of introductory courses in college. This can save you time and money in the long run.

Can I get into Harvard Med with a 3.8 GPA?

Yes, you can get into Harvard Medical School (HMS) with a 3.8 GPA, as it's within the range of successful applicants (average ~3.9), but it's not a guarantee; your extremely high MCAT score (aim for 520+), exceptional research, clinical experience, volunteering, strong essays, and stellar recommendations are crucial to stand out against other high-achievers. A 3.8 is strong, but HMS is highly competitive, so you need a truly outstanding application beyond just grades to show you're visionary, compassionate, and self-motivated. 

How do I increase my chances of getting into medical school?

Tips for Med School

1. Get Some Medical Experience on Your Resume.
2. Do Research Projects.
3. Put in Time Serving Others.
4. Choose a Major You Will Excel In.
5. Apply to Multiple Medical Schools.
6. Study Early and Often for the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT.
7. Learn Another Language.
8. Don't Skimp on Extracurricular Activities.