Are AP Classes Worth It?
By Vanessa Spartaro ('23)
Most high school students around the world know about the Advanced Placement exams, rigorous classes that require an exam at the end of the year in order to determine your credit for the course. Some may read this and think Are AP classes worth it? Honestly, it really depends on how you look at it. Personally, I’ll have taken four AP classes total (AP seminar, AP us history, AP literature and next year, AP research) next year, but is that good enough to someone who has taken more? To some, I have heard that it honestly doesn’t matter, but others might say something different.
In my opinion, I feel that if you are in a good amount of college classes, it’s the same as taking an AP class. Colleges are going to still see that you took more rigorous classes and challenged yourself, you just don't have to worry about the stress of an exam at the end of the year that determines if you get the credit or not. Colleges care more about the talents you exhibit in other areas of life, but also if you follow a certain direction of interest. They’re curious to know how you’ve helped your community, yourself, and how much work you have put into your efforts. If you take classes that coincide with your interests, it is more favorable than one who took every AP on the list. But, if you still want to take every AP class on the list, be my guest! At the end of the day, the choice is yours.
Photo Credit of Everydae
To coincide with my argument made earlier, Dayana Torres ('22) adds in an insightful argument. “Depending on the college you want to go to they might not even accept certain AP’s.” Generally speaking, if you major in a certain subject and take a coinciding class, the college you attend might not always accept the credit. To further this, Nicole Ravo from the Class of 2023 expresses the common anxiety of most students taking AP classes. “It’s tough to say if AP classes truly matter because at the end of the day if you don’t get a 4 or 5 it’s all for nothing really.”
However, some feel that these classes are worth it. Kelly Barros ('23) expresses her interest for AP classes. “Personally I feel AP’s look better but college classes are still good to have but you also shouldn’t overload yourself.” Overall, the opinions are rather split, but at the end of the day, it boils down to what you want to do.
My advice is to not overwhelm yourself with APs. If you want to take them, load up your plate with a reasonable amount that will not stress or burn you out, but be mindful of the rigor of each respective class. Believe it or not, some APs are harder than others! Regarding your performance on the AP exam itself, you don't even have to submit your scores to colleges. This isn’t to say to not to try your best on the exams, but if you do poorly or you simply just don’t want to share the score, colleges don’t have to see it.
Even if you don’t do well in the class itself, colleges will at least see that you took an AP class on your transcript, and it helps show your course rigor and willingness to work hard. It overall shows that you’ve challenged yourself and taken an advanced class, which takes a lot of willpower.
My advice to the younger classmen debating whether or not to take APs is to not overlook it like it’s any other class. AP stands for “advanced placement”, it’s 10x harder and 10x the amount of work and dedication to the class. If you can feel you can handle it, do it!
Photo Credit: Niche
Ultimately, in the end, college classes and APs are both good choice options to take rather than regular classes because it shows that you have chosen to challenge yourself and to not be scared of taking a harder class. Even if you don't decide to take APs, that's fine! Everyone's high school journey is different! If you have any questions regarding any advice on what you think is the best option for you feel free to reach out at any time!
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Cover photo courtesy of Tutela