When you think of AP Chemistry class, you may think of your stereotypical high school nerd, or maybe an aspiring scientist who watches too much of the Big Bang Theory or Breaking Bad. However, at Atlantic High School,  Advanced Placement Chemistry can count as a college credit toward a degree in medicine. 

In the past years, the class has been an online course, not taught by an in-person teacher. This year, Science Teacher Anna Pauley is teaching a group of six students and wants others to know that the class is an option to get your foot in the door for college. “AP Chemistry is a hands-on class, and a true feel of what a college course would be like,” said Pauley. This is a different privilege that other AP classes at AHS can’t offer. “It helps it stick a little better sometimes, which is a wonderful thing since it is an advanced course,” Pauley said. 

Dante Hedrington, a senior as well as an aspiring future surgeon described the course as a “fun and easygoing” class that also raises your grade point average without being too difficult. 

Senior Mary McCurdy decided to take the class to “get a better understanding of chemistry and potentially receive college credit.” Her favorite part of the class is the experiments they do.

Since this is a class with so much to offer, be sure to take it into consideration for the upcoming year. “I definitely hope to see bigger class sizes and expand the opportunities this course carries,” concluded Pauley. 

The six students will take the AP test on May 6, 2024. It’s around a four-hour test that will determine whether the class will qualify for college credit for each student.