how difficult is ap chemistry compared to college course

by Winfield Brakus 7 min read

AP Chemistry is a challenging, in-depth version of regular chemistry. Classes are more complex, fast-paced, and thorough than traditional courses. The topics covered in AP chemistry are similar to those in a standard class but go deeper into the details and often cover more because of the fast pace. AP courses are college-level courses.

AP Chemistry consistently ranks among the most difficult AP courses. The course covers many topics, while prioritizing essential scientific practices. AP Chemistry test data overlooks factors like the quality of teachers and schools. The AP Chemistry exam comprises both multiple-choice and written sections.Mar 14, 2022

Full Answer

Is AP Chemistry worth it?

Worth is extremely subjective especially in choosing high school classes. If you love chemistry, an AP chemistry is worth it; if you hate chemistry, it is not; and if you are somewhere in between love and hate, I would need more information. You have asked this question in isolation.

How hard is AP Chemistry?

Is it hard to get a 5 on AP Chem? Usually, only the most driven students take AP Chemistry, and they're still not passing the test at an especially high rate. We can also look at the 5 rate for the test. The 5 rate for AP Chemistry is 10.1%. Only six other AP tests have lower 5 rates.

What is a good AP Chemistry score?

AP and Organic Chemistry. The average score for this year's exam was a 2.65. 5's: 9.7%. 4's: 15.1%. 3's: 27.5%. 2's: 25.3%. 1's: 22.4%. All of these numbers are courtesy of Trevor Packer at the CB. If you aren't following him on twitter, you should be.

Is AP Chem harder than AP Bio?

It’s harder to grasp ap chemistry topics but once you do, ap chem is way easier than bio. The ap bio multiple choice can be very difficult at times. Bio is the easiest science class I have taken so far. Chem is the hardest. Physics is a close second.

Is AP Chem harder than college?

Full Member. College Chem and Bio are much harder in my opinion. In my HS's AP chem/bio test is worth about 40-50% of the grade and the rest is participation/homework/project/lab. Where in college, most of your grade comes from exams (80-90%).

Which is harder AP classes or college classes?

In general, there is a lot of material to cover in AP classes, so they tend to be more challenging than regular classes—especially courses like AP Calculus, AP Biology, AP Physics, US and World History, and English. These are all much harder than their regular or honors equivalents.

Is AP Chemistry too hard?

AP Chem is a great class to determine where you stand in the science field. It is by far the most difficult class on campus, but the most rewarding as well. A couple of guidelines for your success, number 1 don't take AP Physics along with Chemistry, they are two tough courses that can drive you crazy.

What is AP Chemistry equivalent to in college?

The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year.

Do AP classes boost GPA?

While honors courses usually add 0.5 points to your GPA, AP classes often add 1 point. In other words, a 3.5 GPA would be boosted to a 4.0 in an honors class and a 4.5 in an AP class. This boost can prove particularly useful if you want to challenge yourself with more difficult training without punishing your GPA.

Should I take AP Chem?

Reasons to take AP Chemistry: AP Chemistry will challenge you to the limits of your academic ability. AP Chemistry will teach you to think at higher levels. You will be forced to think and apply concepts to new situations, and even derive your own theories from application.

Is AP Chem or bio harder?

However, our son thinks taking AP bio in junior year makes more sense since AP biology tends to be relatively 'easier' than AP chemistry for most kids and his next year classes are rigorous.

Do colleges care about AP Chem?

As long as you have extracurriculars, a good GPA, and nice essays, colleges will consider you. Don't stress about the one grade but if you have the ability to change it to a B do so as it is better than leaving it as a C. I think it is unlikely to affect your chances hugely.

Is AP Chem harder than AP Physics?

Based on College Board pass rates, AP Physics 1 is more difficult than AP Chemistry. That said, AP Chemistry is not far behind — AP Physics 1 has a pass rate of about 52% while AP Chemistry has a pass rate of 56%.

Is AP Chem exam easy?

The AP Chemistry test is considered one of the most difficult AP tests. In many years, up to half of students receive a failing score of 2 or lower!

What percentage do you need to get a 5 on AP Chem?

11%How Is the AP Chemistry Exam Scored?Raw ScoreAP ScorePercentage of Students Earning Each Score (2021)72-100511%58-71416%42-57324%27-41225%1 more row•Jul 4, 2021

Is AP Chemistry Organic Chemistry?

There are no direct organic chemistry questions on the AP Chemistry Exam. Students will not be asked to name organic compounds, identify isomers, or organic reactions. Some questions may use organic compounds in questions about Lewis Structures and bond angles, or for intermolecular forces of attraction comparisons.

When Should You Take AP Chemistry?

AP Chemistry is one of the more difficult AP classes. Students often complete the class during their junior or senior year to ensure that prospecti...

How Is the AP Chemistry Exam Scored?

Individuals evaluating AP tests grade on a scale of 1-5. A score of 3 or higher is considered a passing grade. The two sections of the AP Chemistry...

Should I Take AP Chemistry?

When considering which AP classes to take, students should recognize that workload and academic strengths can help determine which test is a good f...

Is AP Chemistry worth taking?

For students with strong math and science skills, enrolling in an AP Chemistry class can be worth it. The course introduces learners to college-lev...

Is AP Biology harder than AP Chemistry?

While AP Chemistry has a reputation as one of the more demanding AP courses and exams, a closer look at the data is a bit more complex. About 84% o...

Do colleges care about AP Chemistry?

Colleges are aware of the varying difficulty levels of AP courses and tests. As a result, students who secure top grades in their classes and pass...

What is the AP exam score?

The College Board grades AP exams on a scale of one to five , with one representing the lowest possible score and five representing the highest. In general, a score of three is considered to be passing. However, students should note that many colleges require a score of four or five to receive credit.

Why is the pass rate so high?

The pass rate is likely high because the students who take this exam tend to be well prepared, or are native speakers. Similarly, an exam like Environmental Science might have a lower rate because the class itself is considered easier than other APs. As a result, students may be less-prepared to take the exam.

How does AP class impact college chances?

How AP Classes Impact Your College Chances. The number of AP classes you take can help make your admissions profile more competitive. Ivy League colleges and other highly selective institutions often use something called the Academic Index.

What to consider when choosing AP classes?

Consider Your Strengths. When choosing AP classes, your own strengths and weaknesses are the most important factors to consider. After all, you’re likely to perform better on a test in a field that interests and excites you.

Is it important to take AP classes?

To that end, choosing the right AP classes to take is extremely important. With the College Board offering a large number of exams on an annual basis, it’s only natural that students sometimes struggle to decide which classes to enroll in.

What is a planar compound?

That being said, a planar compound is one where the atoms surrounding the central molecule arrange themselves so that they exist on a singular, two-dimensional plane. In order to determine which of these is NOT planar (remember to read extra carefully!!!), we’ll draw out each of the molecules.

How long does it take to complete multiple choice?

You might be able to answer every question on the test perfectly, but you need to be sure that you can finish the multiple choice section in 90 minutes! Remember, that leaves just about one and a half minutes to read the question and determine the answer. Over time, you will get better at quickly answering questions and determining what the question is asking for on your first try!

What is the geometry of a compound?

Geometry of a molecule or compound is an important topic covered on the AP Chemistry exam so it is important that you know your tetrahedrals from your trigonal bipyramidials! An easy hint is that you can almost always determine what type of shape a compound is based on the number of lone electron pairs and molecules that are attached to the central atom.

What is a Lewis acid-base reaction?

Remember that a Lewis acid-base reaction is one in which a Lewis-base donates it’s extra pair of electrons to a Lewis acid. In the five options above, OH–, CL–, NH2– and NH3 have electron pairs that are capable of donating their additional electrons to the Lewis acid AL (OH)3, SnCl4, NH4+ and H+ respectively.

What is the neutron used for?

In this reaction, neutrons are being used to induce a fission reaction. A neutron is the same mass as a proton, however, has no charge (no electrons or protons). Remember that the upper number next to the element represents the atomic mass while the bottom number represents the atomic number.

How long is the AP Chemistry exam?

The exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long and is comprised of two separate sections:

How many people passed the AP Chemistry exam in 2020?

In 2020, 56.1% of test takers passed the AP Chemistry exam with a 3 or higher. As you can see, the AP Chemistry exam is one of the more difficult exams administered by the College Board. But, with the right study tools, such as CollegeVine’s Ultimate Guide to the AP Chemistry Exam, and through lots of practice, ...