Many students enroll in challenging classes in high school to earn college credit, which will save time and avoid having to take those classes in college. These are called Advanced Placement (AP) classes that are available to high school students. Students interested in any of the AP subjects can choose from a range of classes offered by WHS.
Some of the most frequently taken AP classes that students enroll in are AP U.S. History, AP Language/literature, AP Government, AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Biology, and many more options to ensure that students never miss the chance to enroll in an AP course that interests them.
All of the material covered in the year-long curriculum gets tested in May for the students. May is when the AP exams start. Generally, AP courses have a heavier workload and more challenging material than regular classes. In comparison, to regular classes, AP classes frequently offer homework, require reading assignments, and require writing more often.
The benefits of AP classes prepare students for the workload and academic skills required for college. Second, they boost the GPA allowing students to look better for scholarships and colleges they are interested in.
WHS counselor Stephanie Friel said, “The benefits of taking AP classes are that students take a college-level course which will prepare them for more rigorous classes beyond high school, and they can earn college credit while in high school if they do well on the AP test in May. There are some other things to consider. Are you ready for a college-level class and the extra work that will come with that? Students generally do better when they are ready for a more challenging class with a more difficult course load and are interested in the subject material.”
Furthermore, they save time and money in college when they pass, they will receive college credit instead of having to repeat the course, which could put them ahead of schedule and possibly even graduate early.
Lastly, they would probably give grants and scholarships based on merit for students whose GPA meets the requirements; AP students would be eligible for these prizes. Junior, Amina Shahid stated, “I also think that AP classes teach you time management and how to manage studies and do it effectively. Moreover, the harder it is, the more we prepare for it. It challenges you to do your best and teaches us patience, and hard work, and you strive to do the best you can. It pushes you in a good way but it also brings the stress to be good at it. You have to be strong-willed according to me.”
Students should carefully consider if they can handle higher level classes or that much workload before enrolling in an Advanced Placement course. They ought to accept it if they can. Take no chances, though, if they are unable to handle it.
Senior, Nicole Dong, says, “It’s not mandatory to take AP classes, but it’s important to note that it will make your transcript look more appealing when getting reviewed by colleges. Better colleges usually will like to see you taking AP classes, so depending on where you are heading, you might want to consider taking an AP class or a few.”
