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AP Chemistry: A Molar Mass Marathon

6 April 2023
Emma W, Alexandra ‘23
For incoming seniors interested in taking chemistry, Brentwood gives students the option to take regular Chemistry 12 or to challenge themselves with AP Chemistry.

In addition to teaching the material covered in regular chemistry, AP Chemistry teaches students extra concepts that are more advanced and are typically not taught until university, such as VSEPR theory. The class is described by the College Board as “an introductory college-level chemistry course”.

By signing up for the class, students are, by extension, agreeing to take the AP Chemistry exam in May. In 2022, only 12.5% of AP Chemistry test takers worldwide achieved a perfect five on the exam, which is a forebodingly small percentage.

Current AP Chemistry 12 student Finley T, Privett ‘23, describes the class as “a very difficult but rewarding course that enriches our understanding of the fundamental workings behind our world”.

“I am hoping it will help me to gain an upper hand in my first year chem classes at university”, he adds.

When asked to compare regular chemistry to its AP counterpart, chemistry teacher Ms Emily Carroll had this to say: “AP Chemistry prepares students for university in that the class is more content-focused and standardized test-based, which is a similar format to how course material is delivered at university”.

On the other hand, Ms Carroll described regular chemistry as being “more focused on ensuring that students understand key concepts”. However, she placed emphasis on the point that regular chemistry still prepares students for university because students’ ability to understand these important concepts strengthens their critical-thinking skills.

In summary, regular chemistry is like taking a slow walk in the park and stopping to admire the scenery, whereas AP Chemistry is comparable to that one person who wakes up at 5 am to run a 10k.

Regular Chemistry 12 student Emiliano A, Rogers ‘23, has a very enthusiastic attitude towards chemistry — “From the processes of your body to acids being neutralized […chemistry] is simply awesome to me!”.

At the end of the day, AP or not, chemistry is a challenging subject. Whether a student decides to take regular Chemistry or AP Chemistry (or no chemistry at all, shame on you!) depends on their post-secondary goals. AP Chemistry is an excellent option for those who want to get a head start on what they will be learning at university in subsequent years.

Emma W, Alexandra ‘23

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