.
May 7, 2010
Simoneel Czar
Students should know about the level of difficulty that come with AP classes.
Many students take Advanced Placement (AP) classes and then AP tests at the end of the year. But are the AP classes really worth it? There is a fee in order to take the test and the AP class itself is more advanced than a regular class.
In the past I have taken AP classes, but I didn’t enjoy them at all. The class had a faster pace than a regular class and there was a lot more work. However, many people relish the challenge.
If you can handle the work and the tests then take AP classes to challenge yourself and get college credit for it. But if you think that taking AP classes might stress you out and you’re not planning to take the AP test then don’t take the class. Teachers say that taking more than two AP classes might stress out students, unless they are up for the challenge they will surely face.
“I don’t think I should have taken the AP class I took last year because I wasn’t interested in the subject,” senior Bhupinder Kaur said.. “I didn’t take the AP test either because I didn’t have a high grade in the class, so I knew I wouldn’t have passed the AP test.”
Kaur took the AP Psychology course last year.
AP tests are a huge part of the AP class, granting college credits to those who pass. This gives huge benefits to those who pass, but if you don’t pass, then it could also be a big disappointment. However, the class itself will still give you the prize of an extra GPA point if you pass with a C or higher.
Schools you aspire to go to will also give you reasons on whether or not you will want to take the AP test or not. Universities of California (UC) and California State Universities (CSU) will give college credit to those who receive a score of three or higher. However, depending on the private school, they will only give you credit for scores if you get a four or a five. Ivy League schools will also not give college credits if it pertains to your major.
Students don’t realize that the class may become harder for them because of the lack of interest they have in the subject, which will lead to a low grade or dropping the class. Spare yourself the trouble and think hard about AP classes before you end up drowning.
