Help Justify Advanced Placement

[DisneyFan25863]

Originally Posted by Moonliner

My son wants to take honors Chemistry as a High School Freshman. To get into the class he has to write a letter saying why he should be allowed to take it.

While I like the general concept of presenting the class as something you have to earn I'm coming up a bit blank with what to write other than highlighting his current excellent class work (all A's...)

Any suggestions?

Is it Honors Chemistry or AP Chemistry? They are two COMPLETELY different courses. Honors Chemistry is the same as regular chemistry except it goes at a slightly faster pace and goes a little deeper into the subject. AP Chemistry, on the other hand, is a MUCH harder course that pack an entire extra semester of material in the class. I took the AP Chemistry exam last year after only taking Honors Chemistry, and I had never even learned half the material on the test (they don't offer AP Chem at my school).

Chemistry is hard. REALLY hard. Lot's of math and abstract thinking, especially when you are just getting to learn it.

Can he apply for another AP science course instead? AP Biology is a good entry-level AP science course, as it builds upon what he learned in 7th grade. AP Enviromental Science is also considered an "easy" AP course.

What math is he going to be in next year? That should also impact his decision. If he is going to be in a more advanced math class (either Honors Geometry or Algebra II/Trig as a freshmen) then he could probably handle the AP coursework. Regardless, it is a BIG step up from anything he had in Jr. High. Lots of notes and writing, and if he falls behind it is REALLY hard to work back up.