I’m considering majoring in forensic science in college, and I need some guidance on which classes to take. I’m currently a junior in my second semester, and as I explore colleges, I’m starting to worry that I haven’t taken the right courses for my desired major. Since forensic science relies heavily on biology and chemistry, I’m wondering if I should take the AP courses for those subjects. However, my schedule for next year is tight because I’m already enrolled in a forensics class, so I can’t fit both AP classes in. If I do decide to take one, which would be more beneficial?
I took biology in my freshman year but barely remember anything, scoring a 76. Last year, I struggled through chemistry with a terrible teacher, which forced me to resort to cheating just to pass, leaving me with minimal understanding of the subject. Given my lack of knowledge in both biology and chemistry, I feel unprepared for college.
What are your thoughts? Should I prioritize one of the AP courses, or is there a better alternative?
It’s great that you’re thinking ahead about your college major! Forensic science does indeed rely heavily on biology and chemistry, so having a solid understanding of both subjects will be beneficial.
Given your circumstances, here are some suggestions:
Consider Taking AP Chemistry or AP Biology: If you can only choose one AP class to take next year, it might be best to lean towards AP Chemistry, as chemistry is particularly fundamental to forensic science. It covers topics like chemical reactions, which are relevant to analyzing evidence. However, if you’re more interested in biological aspects (like DNA analysis), then AP Biology could also be a good choice.
Review and Build on What You Know: Since you mentioned that you don’t remember much from your previous biology and chemistry courses, it might also be helpful to do some self-study or take a summer class in one of these subjects. This could give you a stronger foundation before heading into an AP course.
Explore Resources: Use online resources or tutoring to reinforce your understanding of fundamental concepts in both subjects. Websites like Khan Academy can be incredibly helpful for brushing up on material.
Talk to Your Counselor: Discuss your situation with your school counselor. They can provide insight on your schedule and help you figure out the best plan moving forward.
Stay Engaged in Your Forensics Class: Make sure to fully engage with your forensics class this year. It can help you decide if this is truly the path you want to pursue and may also provide exposure to the types of concepts you’ll encounter in biology and chemistry.
In summary, if you’re leaning towards one AP class, AP Chemistry might be the way to go. But also make sure to bolster your foundational knowledge in both biology and chemistry before you enter college. Good luck!