Not Interested in any AP Classes?

Question

Essentially -- I have superb grades in all of my classes (as a sophomore) -- half of my main classes being honors, with basically straight A's in them so far. Anyway, I'm too young to take the SAT/ACT but what my school does (and what I assume many other schools do) is base our class selections on standardized "MAP Testing" scores. I received a 249 on reading/language which is very, very high and started getting recommended for AP courses in both English and US History. Unfortunately, I'm not interested in them and don't feel that I am ready for them and my scores are too high to be let out without a hard fight as both my history and English teachers are giving me huge pressure to take them. I am a HUGE procrastinator and never end up getting my work done at home (which would be required for an AP course); I'm highly organized but I would get overwhelmed just from the feeling of being in an AP course. Any recommendations on getting out of them? Am I too worried?

Answer 1

Calmly stick to your principles if you really don't want to take the AP courses. Though may high schools really promote them, I personally don't believe there is any need to do them. Universities and colleges look at your marks, not which courses you did, as long as your courses are college/university preparatory. When you get to college or university they will make sure you do the courses you need in your program.

You sound very articulate, smart, and know what you want. While you would probably do quite well with them if you took them, don't do them if you don't want to. However, you probably need to be prepared to take a little flak throughout the year for opting out of them. Best of luck.

Answer 2

Frankly, you've already decided that you're too lazy and want all of us to agree with you or talk you into taking the AP classes. Not sure why you think that you're too young to take the SAT or the ACT because they start letting students take in the 7th grade. Be honest with your teachers and say that you're not ready or willing to do the work required to take an AP class, feel that the pressures/work load outweigh the benefits (college credit) and don't really want to get into a good college, so you'd rather let someone else who is more willing to work have it. Colleges are looking at whether or not students take AP classes and taking that into major consideration when allowing students in. Just some food for thought.

Answer 3

If you do a lot of other activites like sports you could tell them you'd be busy with that and would like to have a life. You could reason with them that way. If not just honestly say that you don't think you can handle them. If they don't listen then you could try talking to the guidance counselor. I'm in 3 hard classes I got pushed into this year and its kind of miserable, so much for an easy senior year, but also if you take AP courses it can get you out of some college courses if you do good on the AP test. Anyway good luck with that. I hope you're better at convincing people than I was.

Answer 4

I've taken a number of AP classes, and I know just exactly how you feel. When I was a sophomore in HS, I was getting all A's in honors courses and hearing "You should definitely be in AP next year!" from all of my teachers. At first I wasn't interested, but I went through with it anyway. I figured it better to sign up for the class and then if it proved too difficult as the school year began I could drop into a regular class. I feared choosing a regular class that proved too easy and then wondering if perhaps I should have signed up for an AP course. Well, let me tell you, they're not as bad as what people make them out to be. Yes, more homework than the regular classes on the same subject, and yes, harder tests. I, however, got A's in all of my AP classes too. I do think you're worrying too much. So did I. But the thing is, since you're in a number of honors classes now, you'll be fine. ESPECIALLY since your teachers, who know all about the AP courses and tests as well as about you, think it would be best for you. Dropping into regular classes now would probably bore you to tears--you'd be way too far ahead of everyone else. At any rate, I would definitely recommend going into AP courses. The worst that can happen is at the beginning of next year, you have to go to your counselor and say, "Sorry, I changed my mind. I want to be in a regular class." They'll drop you into a regular class. In the meantime, don't worry so much. As far as I can tell, you'll be fine.

Answer 5

Don't worry, AP isn't all that much. I too, am a huge procrastinator
(I do more than half my homework during school) and I do fairly decent in all my classes (A's and B's). AP doesn't necessarly mean that you have to devote your entire life to school. If you truly feel that the subject comes easy to you and you can handle having to learn more about it then, take it. It also depends on the teacher, some are slack believe it or not, and others work you until your hand falls off. Just be sure to know who teaches it and talk to some people who have already taken it.

Answer 6

If you feel like it just take one or two.

This year I'm taking one (AP Calc.)
and next year, my senior year, I'll be taking:

Calculus 2-3 (at a college)
AP English
AP Chemistry
AP Biology

Spanish V (I'm taking its AP Exam)
Cmputer Science III - IV (Java Programing, I'm taking its AP Exam)

and Humanities.

I could have taken AP U.S. History, but it basically just a lot of homework, and doesn't look as good to colleges.

Humanities is a great class that I just feel like taking.

According to seniors who are doing what I'm going to do next year, of all those AP classes, the only one to worry about is AP Chemistry.



Just try one or two next year.

My school, unlike others, offers only these "AP" courses

English
Chemistry
Biology
U.S. History
Spanish, French, and German V
Compt. Sci. 3-4
Calculus

and to take for example AP U.S. History, you have to take an entire year or normal U.S. History first.

Same for Chemistry, Biology.



If I were you, I would take one or two as a junior, just to try them out.


Bascially, AP course are Pre-college college work.

They are easier than college work.


You're smart, use it.

Answer 7

yeah maybe you're freaking out a little too much. i take all AP classes and its not as bad as it seems. its just like the regular classes but teachers expect more from u and they think u are ready for the challenge. but i think the only thing u need to fix is your procrastination prob. and you'll do great in those classes.

Answer 8

You could try it but if you already know hoe you feel about it and you stongly feel that you dont want to take Advanced Placement classes dont take them. its all up to you and no one else.