More AP and less Honors?

Question

Last year (10th grade) I did very well in my classes and my GPA was around 3.6 (4.2 weighted) and I had the opportunity to take AP English Language, AP U.S. History, and AP Spanish Literature. However, I only picked Span. Lit. because even though I did well in the classes before those, I did not enjoy them. I think that if I were to take an AP class "it should be from a subject that I enjoy", like science. Now I'm taking English 3 Honors and American History Honors and I have an A in both classes so far (they're pretty easy). Next year I'm planning to take AP Chemistry and AP Biology and I'll have a chance of taking either AP or Honors English and Social Studies. What should I do, should I stick to my motto or take AP instead?

Answer 1

If your strategy with AP is for college admission, then take as many AP courses as you can handle, if your chosen colleges are highly selective. But I agree with your "motto" and strongly discourage students from taking AP courses where there's little or no interest. Especially if your college goal is not a competitive school.

If you're comfortable with the Honors or standard classes, and want to beef up your college application, another strategy is to take a few community college classes either after your regular school day schedule, or in the summer. Most colleges will look at one semester of transferable college courses to be equal to a full year of AP! Plus, you will have started your college transcript, and as long as you pass the college class, you will earn college credits. With AP, you are in the course a full year, and even if you pass the AP exam, you don't know what the college will do with the AP - some give you units in that subject, but some give you units, only as elective credits. Some colleges just say, "good job!" and don't give you anything!

AP courses are best choices, when students have a passion for the subject matter, and enjoy the challenge of the course work. So think about why you want to take AP and then decide.

Good luck!

Answer 2

AP is normally weighted double the amount of honors so it would help out your GPA [not that you need it] bad thing about AP classes is that you have to take the AP exam in may. [ugh..] but it looks great on college applications and normally most colleges waive or give college credit for AP classes that have a passing grade on the AP exams. But also I believe that if you've taken more than 7 AP classes by the end of HS you are required to write a 10,000 word essay and present it to a panel of 5 people. [its called a lureit or what not, they do this is FL, I dont know where youre from]. I took alot of honor classes and I hold a pretty decent GPA. 3.5, 3.9 weighted. I only took AP courses I enjoyed so it made sure I was paying enough attention in class to pass the exams. So if you could do better in AP classes, go for it, but I think you should stick to your motto. and take some fun classes like pottery, lots of colleges like well rounded individuals. good luck!!

Answer 3

If I were you, I'd take the APs. The reason I say this is that once you go to college, there will be more freshman classes that you'll be able to place out of and be able to spend more time taking classes that really interest you. After all, the AP designation is pretty much a synonym for "college level." You'll eventually have to take those classes on the college level anyway as part of a core curriculum at almost all schools save the very, very liberal ones. May as well do it now and enjoy your time at college later when there are so many more options for classes to take. I hope that helps.

PS: Additionally, I've done college entrance interviews as part of the alumni association of my alma mater and I definitely take notice of the kids that have done as much as they could have done academically with their time... in other words, taking AP classes definitely distinguishes you from those that don't take them when you're being considered for entrance to a school of your choice. It's not a huge deal... don't get me wrong. But if it comes down to you and another kid for admittance, anything, no matter how small, that sets you apart could be the difference between you or the other kid getting in. Don't blow that at all out of proportion... it's not a huge thing. But, as I'm sure you know, the better schools are highly competitive.

Answer 4

If you feel that you would do well in AP classes, you should definitely take them. I'm not sure about your school, but at mine you can take an extra final after taking an AP class and if you pass that final, then you get a college credit for that class. You should look into it.

Answer 5

I have found that AP courses are interesting, whereas honors courses aren't. So even if you didn't like your honors English and social studies courses, you may like the APs. Go ahead and take the AP classes then.