If your high school offers AP (Advanced Placement) classes, you may be wondering if you should sign up. For sophomores and juniors, there are factors to consider before registering for AP courses. Read on for some tips to help you determine if AP courses are right for you.
Benefits of AP Courses
Challenge yourself
By taking an AP class, you will be challenged everyday. You will likely learn a lot, both about the subject you choose and about your own work ethic. You will be proud of yourself for pushing yourself to try something new and putting forth the extra effort.
Improve your chances for college admissions
Taking an AP course will enhance your college application! If a student succeeds in an AP class, it shows that he or she is prepared to handle a college course load.
Develop the skills needed for college-level coursework
AP courses give a taste of the academic rigor you may experience in college. You will likely improve your reading, writing, note-taking, and time management skills.
Earn college credit
At the end of an AP course, you have the option to take an exam to demonstrate your knowledge. The score on this exam can be applied to your college education, earning you college credit. The score range for AP exams is 1-5. Most colleges accept scores of 3 or higher. Going into college with credits will bring you a little bit closer to graduation, saving you time and money!
Gain more flexibility in college
When you enter college, you’ll already have credits that can go towards your general education requirements. This allows more room to take electives that can count towards a minor or even a double major.
Factors to Consider
Your favorite subjects
Which subjects do you perform the best in? If you have an affinity for math and science, taking AP Biology or AP Calculus may be a better choice for you. AP workloads can be intense so you definitely want to choose something that is already interesting to you.
Your GPA
It’s better to have strong grades than to have a bunch of AP courses on your transcript. If you feel that AP classes may lower your GPA, stick to the honors courses or non-advanced classes. If you don’t feel super confident diving into AP courses but want to give it a try, you can always start by taking one. As you get to know the pace and workload, you can add more AP classes the next time you sign up for classes!
Your schedule
Make sure you will have the extra time for the extra workload. This may be difficult if you already have a lot on your plate. (AKA working part-time, holding a leadership position in a club, or playing sports year round). Pay attention to your stress levels; if you are spreading yourself too thin, you will know it. If there’s too much going on, taking an AP course may not be the best choice.