AP Classes/Exams: Yes or No? Your Criteria

When is an AP class and exam a good idea?

1. When the class has a great teacher; it will be tough, but great prep for the AP exam.
2. When the course subject is interesting enough to spend a lot of time studying or you’re already good at it.
3. When you’re in the class and studying afterward with a group of friends.

When is an AP class and exam not a good idea?

1. When the teacher isn’t very good, don’t take a class and try to survive it.
2. When you’ve struggled with test taking in other classes or in past grades.
3. When you’re short on time to study on a consistent basis due to a job, sports, practice, or other off campus commitments.

School like AP courses; they’re viewed as a fast track for talented students. Schools get kudos for offering AP.

AP may be a great idea for you. Community College may be a great alternative. Whichever approach, be realistic. Taking multiple AP courses and studying for hours a night is rarely the best strategy.

High school AP courses on one subject, let’s say X, take place over one academic year. At the end of that year, students take an exam. Passing the test awards college credit in the class. Failing the test awards high school, but no college credit.

How about a different approach? Taking a one semester community college course on the same subject results in less class time, less study time, and close to a guarantee of passing.

1. A 1 semester course in a community college equates to 1 year of the same high school course.
2. In non Math or PE courses, you can take the class in the community college, not take it in high school, and earn both college and high school credit (see the Concurrent Enrollment article).
3. There is no AP exam with a community college course; exams are given throughout the course, giving you a better chance than with a one-time shot.
4. Your high school GPA goes up slightly with AP courses, an A counts for 5 points with AP rather than 4, a B counts for 4 points rather than 5. However, the AP course is much tougher. If you get a B in an AP class, you may have no trouble getting an A in a non-AP section, in either case it’s worth 4 points.
5. Attending a community college one night a week for one year earns you the equivalent of two years of a high school class. Your high school GPA may not show AP credits, however, your college application will be strong with college credit awarded. Those credits show you’re prepared for college, not just prepared to pass an AP exam.
6. Lastly, high school isn’t just about the sometimes incredible hours of study AP classes and teachers expect. It’s just a class. With a great teacher it’s worth it. With anything less, it isn’t.

This article is my opinion only. Based on many many conversations with stressed students and parents who argue with their kids about homework hours. There are many ways to compete for the limited college spots open; AP is good in some cases, but not all. If it’s not a clear fit, don’t do it. Instead, look for alternatives that will be both productive and doable.