The Pros and Cons of AP Classes

Lily Bozenski

Deciding whether or not to take an AP class can be a tough choice. It’s hard trying to figure out if you want to commit yourself to such a rigorous course or if you’d rather do something at the Honors or CP level instead. I have completed two AP classes, and I am in my third one this year, meaning I have had to make this decision three times over. The choice is different for each person, but I’d like to share some of the pros and cons I consider when figuring out if I want to take an AP class.

Pro: College Credit

The end goal of every AP class is to take the AP test for that subject. Depending on how you score on that test, you can receive college credit, which will allow you to not have to take that same class in college. You will be a year ahead in that specific subject, and not need to pay for an additional college class. Different colleges have different policies on what scores they’ll give credit for, but many colleges will recognize a 3 or higher, while more prestigious colleges ask for a 4 or higher. 

Con: More Rigorous Coursework

AP classes are inherently harder, so taking one will guarantee you more coursework. I have had to work much harder in every AP class I’ve been in than in any other class. It takes up a lot of time and energy, and it can be stressful. No AP class will be easy, so you need to be prepared for such.

Pro: More Rigorous Coursework

While having a lot of work can certainly be a con, it can also be a pro depending on what class you take. If you are very interested in the subject you’re taking an AP class in, the extra work will not feel like work. I am very passionate about English, so the two English AP classes I’ve taken have not felt so stressful because I enjoy what I’m doing. This heavily depends on what class you take, but if it’s a subject you enjoy, you might find something fun in the work.

Con: Cost

Taking an AP class doesn't cost anything, but each AP test costs $99 each, and all AP students are expected to take the AP test; you can’t get college credit if you don’t. Needing to pay for the test can be anywhere from annoying to extremely stressful. Thankfully, EHS offers aid to students who may not be able to pay this fee. If you are concerned about not being able to pay for an AP test, you can go to your guidance counselor and they will help you. 

Pro: Community

Because AP classes are made to dig deep into a certain area of study, the students taking them tend to be students who are passionate about the subject. This often leads to a positive community forming in an AP class, because students can bond over a shared enjoyment of the subject and build off of each other’s ideas in a healthy learning environment. It not only allows students to grow in terms of learning, but it also encourages them to connect with their peers. 

Con: Stress

This is a bit of a branch off from the rigorous coursework con, but I felt it needed its own spot. AP classes will be more stressful than Honors or CP classes. You need to meet all your deadlines and your work will be held to a higher standard. Additionally, there is more stress around fully understanding the subject, because earning a better score on the AP test gives you more opportunities in college. This adds an extra amount of pressure, which can be very hard to manage at times.  

If you’re still on the fence, here’s my advice:

From my experience in AP classes, the thing that it really boils down to is only taking AP in a subject you are interested in. Do not just take an AP class because you think it will look good, take it because you genuinely want to learn more about this area of study. As I said before, no AP class is easy, so pick a subject you want to be challenged in. If there are no subjects that interest you in that way, maybe AP isn’t for you, and that’s okay! Taking Honors and CP level classes is very valuable, and good grades in those levels will look good on college applications. But if you can think of a subject you are passionate enough about to want a challenge in, and you are willing to manage the stress that comes with it, then AP might be a great choice for you. 

Ultimately, AP is beneficial for some students and harmful for others. Some students thrive in AP, while some struggle. There is no wrong choice as long as you consider which one is best for you as a learner and an individual.