Why you should take AP Biology
AP (advanced placement) is a program in the U.S. that seeks to help high school students have a head start on their college journey by offering college-level curricula and examinations. For those who plan to take advantage of the program, here’s a suggestion by Steven Rindner, a bio student.
AP Biology is a course that can be a stepping stone for one to gain college-level credit in introductory biology courses. It spans several topics, including anatomy and physiology, the study of cells, molecular biology, and evolution. Keep in mind that taking the course will not grant credits immediately. A student would still need to take the AP Biology exam and earn a score of 3 or higher.
In addition, not everyone can take up the course, as the requirements would depend on the school. Some educational institutions require a student to have performed well in prerequisite classes before being allowed to enroll in an AP Biology course. If students feel they have done well in previous courses, they should discuss their plans with the school counselor.
There are plenty of reasons to take up AP Biology. According to Steven Rindner, bio courses provide a solid foundation for prospective science majors. On the other hand, for students not keen on pursuing a science degree in college, the AP Biology course can be used as college credits to satisfy the mandatory science requirement of a student’s chosen degree program.
Beyond credits, AP Biology can also benefit students in the long run. The course teaches various competencies, such as organizational, study, critical thinking, and data analysis skills. Being proficient in these areas is helpful not just in science fields but also in other academic endeavors.
Steven Rindner also explains that bio courses can help develop one’s ability to do research, giving students the foundation they need in writing academic papers, which would be beneficial regardless of their chosen academic programs.
