Should I take AP Chem in high school?

You should take AP Chemistry if you genuinely enjoy science, are prepared for a rigorous, time-consuming course that builds on foundational chemistry/math, and want to demonstrate college readiness for STEM fields, but be prepared to work hard, use extra resources like Khan Academy (as mentioned in a Reddit post by user r8number1), and potentially drop other APs to manage the workload. It's excellent for college prep, potentially earning credit, but it's considered one of the hardest APs, so ensure you have strong algebra/science skills and a good teacher.

Should you take AP Chem in high school?

In conclusion, deciding whether to take AP Chemistry boils down to your personal interests, academic goals, and readiness for a challenging course. It's an excellent choice if you have a strong interest in science, particularly chemistry, and are eager to engage with college-level material while still in high school.

Do colleges care about AP Chem?

When colleges evaluate your application, they generally focus more on the rigor of your coursework and your performance in those courses. Taking challenging courses like AP Chemistry and performing well in them shows that you're prepared for college-level academics.

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 its low pass rates (around 47%), demanding lab work, and focus on conceptual understanding over memorization, followed closely by humanities subjects like AP U.S. History and AP English Language, and other sciences like AP Chemistry and Biology.
 

Does Harvard accept a 4 on AP?

No, Harvard University generally does not accept AP scores of 4 for course credit or advanced standing, requiring a score of 5 for most subjects, and even then, they primarily use scores for placement or fulfilling specific prerequisites, not for reducing the total number of courses needed for graduation. A score of 5 might help you skip introductory requirements (like a foreign language), but you still need to take the required 32 courses at Harvard, and scores of 4 are typically not enough for this "advanced standing". 

How I Scored a Five on AP Chemistry Self Studying in Two Weeks

What jobs need AP Chem?

10 of the Most Popular Types of Ap Chemistry Jobs in 2026

• Online Ap Chemistry Teacher. Salary range: $46,000 - $63,000. ...
• Ap Chemistry Tutor. ...
• Remote Ap Biology Teacher. ...
• Ap History Teacher. ...
• Remote Ap History Teacher. ...
• Ap Statistics Teacher Remote. ...
• Work From Home Ap Chemistry Teacher. ...
• Ap Calculus Teacher Online.

What is the most commonly failed class in college?

The most commonly failed college classes are often foundational STEM courses, especially Algebra (like Algebra I or College Algebra) and Calculus (especially Calc II), along with Organic Chemistry, due to their demanding concepts, heavy memorization, and role as "gatekeeper" courses for many majors. Other frequent high-failure classes include introductory Computer Science, Engineering subjects like Statics, and sometimes even dense, lecture-heavy general education courses.
 

Should I take AP Chem without Chem?

The absence of a foundational chemistry background can make navigating the complex topics of AP Chemistry more difficult. However, for students with a strong aptitude in science and math, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a high level of self-motivation, it might be a feasible path.

How much does 1 AP cost?

One AP exam typically costs around $99-$100 for U.S. students in 2025-2026, but this can vary, with higher fees internationally and for AP Capstone exams, though fee reductions for low-income students can lower costs significantly, sometimes to $0-$10, with schools setting the final price. 

How many APs does Harvard want?

Harvard does not have a formal requirement. Instead, admissions officers look for students who challenge themselves with the most rigorous courses available. In practice, many successful Harvard applicants present 12 or more APs across core subjects and electives.

Is AP Chem a lot of math?

AP Chemistry involves a lot of mathematical calculations. In fact, almost every unit in the course curriculum has topics that require math skills.

What is the hardest class in HS?

There's no single hardest subject, but advanced math (Calculus, Algebra), Physics, and Chemistry are frequently cited due to abstract concepts, heavy calculation, and building on prior knowledge; however, difficulty is subjective, with some finding foreign languages or even demanding literature/history classes challenging, depending on individual aptitude, interest, and teaching quality.
 

What are the disadvantages of chemistry?

Disadvantages of Chemistry

The production, usage, and disposal of chemical substances can lead to pollution of air, water, and soil (e.g., release of industrial waste, pesticides, plastic waste).

Will one F ruin my GPA?

Yes, an "F" grade counts towards your GPA, assigning 0 grade points but still including the attempted credit hours in the calculation, which lowers your overall average; this applies even if you took the course Pass/Fail (P/F), as an F in a P/F class is treated like a regular F, whereas a "Pass" (P) doesn't affect your GPA. 

What is the #1 cause of death for college students?

Suicide is consistently cited as the second leading cause of death for U.S. college students, after accidents (unintentional injuries), which often involve motor vehicles or substance abuse. While accidents top the list overall, suicide tragically claims the most lives within the 18-24 age bracket after accidents, highlighting significant mental health challenges on campuses, with nearly 1,100 college suicides estimated annually. 

What is the most dropped class?

According to study after study, Algebra 1 is highlighted as the most failed course in America. Some estimates say that as many as 40% of students take the course more than once in order to achieve an acceptable grade.

Do colleges like AP Chem?

If you're going to apply for premed to top-30 colleges, AP Biology and AP Chemistry are preferred. Same with AP Physics for Engineering.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

Jobs paying $400 an hour ($832,000/year) are typically high-level roles in medicine (specialists, surgeons), finance (equity partners, portfolio managers), law (partners), and highly specialized tech (senior geophysicists, elite software engineers), or successful freelance/consulting positions, requiring extensive expertise, high demand, and often significant experience, rather than entry-level jobs. 

Should I take AP Chem 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 Harvard free if your family makes less than 200k?

Yes, starting in the 2025-26 academic year, Harvard College offers free tuition for students from families with annual incomes of $200,000 or less, with additional aid covering room, board, and other costs, and full financial support (including tuition, room, board, fees, travel) for families earning $100,000 or less, making it significantly more affordable for many middle-income families. 

Does Harvard prefer IB or AP?

Harvard College doesn't prefer IB or AP; they value students challenging themselves with rigorous courses, whether it's the comprehensive IB Diploma or specific AP exams, but the focus is on strong performance, taking what's appropriate for your school, and excelling in the chosen path, with both showing commitment to advanced learning. While IB offers a cohesive program, AP allows more flexibility, and both demonstrate college readiness, though Harvard mainly uses exam scores for placement, not degree credit. 

Does Yale accept 3 on AP test?

Yale accepts scores of 4 and 5 on the AP® exams for credit. The score requirements vary by department. You can use your AP® credits to “accelerate” your Yale education. With the professor's permission, you can use your AP® credits to take higher-level classes sooner.