Quantcast
Channel: future – The Piper
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 15

Appeal of AP Classes

0
0

By: Alysa Pierre, 2019

In modern day high school, there are several levels of courses that students can elect, including college prep, honors, and a popular one in higher grades, Advanced Placement. At Somerville High, students have the option to take AP certain courses starting sophomore year like US History and, if qualified, AP Biology. But what is the appeal for taking AP courses at all?  For many, the hope of receiving college credit or being recognized in a crowd of other applicants are reasons why AP courses appeal to students in all different grades.

One reason students choose to take AP classes is to earn college credit. For every AP class, students have the option to take a test based on their course at the end of the school year. Students receive a number score from 1-5 where a 3 or higher for some colleges or a 4 or higher for others on the test may count for college credit. At some colleges or universities, these credits allow a student to test out of introductory classes. Separate from the test, AP level classes also give students a feel for what a college class is like in terms of the workload and homework. These classes  generally benefit anyone who takes them by preparing them for college.

Another reason for the AP appeal is that AP classes allow students to stand out among competing college admissions. Colleges are often drawn to high school students who take on the rigorous coursework of AP. Colleges do not necessarily base selection on the grades that a student receives in those classes but on the challenge involved in taking them. If a college sees that a student has taken an AP course and has done well in said class, their decision for admission may shift more favorably toward acceptance.

Perhaps the biggest possible reason for AP classes is that students who take them in high school have an easier time transitioning into college by moving students closer to taking courses toward their major in their desired career field. Many, but not all, high school students end their high school years knowing what they want as a career but are unable to enroll in certain courses due to required classes for incoming freshmen. Advanced Placement classes benefit students who want to earn college credit, impress college admissions faculty, aid in deeper learning opportunities, and expand on individual passions.

The post Appeal of AP Classes appeared first on The Piper.


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 15

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images