Lola Karimi ’25
EE Co-Managing Editor
You may have heard about AP classes and are wondering how they may help you succeed academically if you’re a young high school student heading into college. Conversely, you might be wondering, “What precisely are AP classes?” or “Do AP courses really pay off?” Yes, is the straightforward response. AP courses are a crucial first step in figuring out your college career. However, adding AP classes to the mix can only cause more complexity in a situation when deciding what to study and when is already challenging. We offer some guidance on what to anticipate from AP classes and when to take them, but the final say in the matter is yours.
The College Board created the AP (advanced placement) program of classes to expose high school students to college-level coursework and allow them to earn college credit prior to even receiving their high school diploma. Parents who recognize the value of early college credit as well as more involved, degree-driven students find this level of access for high school students to be both innovative and appealing. Even with all the benefits these courses seem to offer, there are a few drawbacks to take into account. Specifically: difficulty level.
In addition to being harder than a typical high school course, AP classes require passing an exam at the end of the year in order to receive college credit. These tests cover all of the material covered in your AP course for that particular year in a very focused manner. They serve as the culmination and capstone of your time in that particular class. The tests are graded from 1 to 5, with a score of 3 or higher being deemed passing; however, some schools will only grant credit for scores of 4 or 5. Taking AP classes and doing well on the exams can help you get to the top of the admissions list by demonstrating your readiness for college.
Enrolling in AP classes can have two financial benefits. Most people pay nothing for high school, but not for college. During high school, consider enrolling in AP programs to save money on tuition. In addition to getting ahead on your college requirements, you’ll obtain college credits without having to pay for tuition. Taking AP classes can increase your chances of winning scholarships because many institutions consider your AP experience when determining who gets funding for scholarships.
College admissions officers prefer to see that you have taken on challenges and are ready for coursework at the college level. Performing well in AP classes might demonstrate to the admissions personnel of your target university that you are prepared for success in a collegiate setting. Furthermore, AP courses are often given more credit in high school, which raises your GPA overall. Receiving a B in an AP course is frequently preferable to an A in a typical high school course. This can demonstrate to the admissions officials that you have approached your college application with greater thinking and strategy.
Even while taking AP classes in high school has numerous advantages, you should be careful not to push yourself too far. When enrolling in classes, keep in mind that you must budget for personal time in addition to the course load. Maybe you could find out from an upperclassman what their experiences were with the workload and general requirements of the AP courses they have taken. There is more to high school than merely cramming as many advanced classes and studying nonstop. Although AP courses appear impressive on college applications, extracurricular activities and community service also do. Give yourself time away from your studies to unwind and mingle.
It’s easy to lose focus when studying for your Advanced Placement (AP) test. You’ve devoted numerous hours to solving practice problems, reading assigned books, and going over the subject matter—both in class and independently.
Generally speaking, students begin their studies in January or March. This allows them ample time to study for the test, enroll in AP preparatory classes, take practice exams, and formulate an AP test plan. The course, the study plan, and the student all influence the depth and study technique needed. A few hours of study time is all that some students need, particularly those who are strong and enrolled in AP classes that end immediately before the test. Some people could invest numerous hours in getting ready for only one AP exam.
While some students find it helpful to just go back and review the AP course content in the same manner as they did in class, it might be helpful to consider which areas might need more focus. To make sure you comprehend the curriculum in its entirety, give the portions you found difficult more time. Exams, tests, and homework from the past might be reviewed to identify possible problem areas.
While passing an AP exam on its own can be challenging, taking numerous examinations and courses offers different difficulties. To ensure you prepare ahead of time and allot the proper amount of study time to each subject, you must first ascertain your exam timetable. You could discover that focusing on a single topic for the duration of a study session helps you concentrate and remember the material.
Making a study plan can assist you in staying focused and avoiding missing any crucial information. Maintaining motivation and making progress can also be facilitated by creating a study plan and timetable. Once you have mastered a concept, proceed to the next topic by marking it off your list. You can become more comfortable with the testing structure, get a sense of the kinds of questions you’ll encounter, and find the areas you need to improve on with the aid of AP practice exams. Request practice tests from your AP instructor. You can also do an internet search or put together a practice test of your own by gathering sample questions.
Last-minute studying may not be as beneficial as it seems. Instead, you should set a modest, steady pace for yourself while studying for your AP exam or exams. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, reduce lengthy, laborious study sessions and stick to a timetable for an extended period of time. When studying, make an effort to think outside of your AP course materials and notes. Ask questions of your study partners and lecturers, and use your knowledge to create new concepts. This diversified approach to the course can assist you in considering and applying the content from many angles.
Make sure you have a healthy lunch, drink enough of water, and get a good night’s sleep the night before your AP test. As tempting as it may be to study all night, a little preparation goes a long way. Your performance on the AP exam will probably decrease if you’re exhausted when you try to take it. Try to stick to the same schedule the morning before the test. Have food and liquids, make sure you have your exam papers, and find out the exact location and time of the test. If you’re taking the exam by car, allow enough time to get there in a composed and relaxed manner.
Good luck!