I am considering taking AP U.S. History and AP Language Compostion next year because it would challenge me and look good on my applications, but I'm really scared that I won't do well in the classes. Some people say its more hype than anything and that it is just a regular course with an AP exam in May, but what is it really like? Could anyone tell me?
2007-02-21 15:39:57 · 8 answers · asked by sunshine & summertime 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
If you are a dedicated, motivated student who is ready and willing to put extra time into studying for the AP exam, then I would say go for it! It is definitely tempting to take AP classes just for the weighted GPA and because it looks good to colleges, but in addition, you should enjoy learning and look forward to school to get the most out of these courses. Go into them with an open mind, and you will get a lot more out of them than simply a general level or honors course. It can be challenging at times and the tests are stressful, but if you stay on top of the work load, you should do fine. As a word of caution, if you have never taken an AP class before, make sure to study what you have done cumulatively (don't just study the material that will be on the individual test). The AP test will examine the material from the whole course, and to do well, you don't want to cram the week before!!! Talk to your counselor or the AP teachers at your school for more information on the specific classes if you still have questions -- they should be more than willing to help you. Good luck!!!
2007-02-21 15:52:51 · answer #1 · answered by piecrumz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've taken several AP courses in high school. What I suggest is to take just 1 AP that interests you the most first so that you can get used to the pace, then take more APs the next year. When applying to universities, they don't really care how many APs you've taken just as long as you do well in them and get a decent score on the exam.
An AP course is very rigorous. If you are willing to dedicate at least 2 hours a day reading the material, studying, practicing, and using all of your resources to understand the material, then by all means, go ahead and take it. Depending on what kind of teacher you get, some will be slow and some will be fast, covering about one chapter a day or so along with several quizzes,exams, and essays throughout the year. You usually cover a lot more material than a normal class would. One of the other things you can do with these courses buy a book specified for the class (you can find them at the bookstore) that will give out practice exams and a lot of information you should know.
But I really wouldn't advise taking a bunch of AP courses just to make your transcript look good. It will just lower your GPA and chances of you going to the university you want to go to, especially if you are not really into the subject you are taking.
2007-02-21 17:50:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it is taught the way it should be it is not hype. When I taught AP U.S.we used a college level text and had a pretty strenuous work load. We stressed thesis based essay writing, and test taking skills and strategies. All that being said you should consider the courses if you are above average in reading and writing skills and have an interest in those subjects. You don't take it because it would look good on your transcripts. Talk to the AP teachers and explain your concerns. Talk to your English teacher and Social Studies teacher and ask their opinion. They probably have a pretty good understanding of your skills at this time. Ask to see the materials that they use. Ask to see some old tests and assignments. Visit the college board web site on line and take a look at their samples of AP questions. After a little research you should be able to make the decision that is best for you.
2007-02-21 16:08:45 · answer #3 · answered by baadevo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The AP's are a little tougher than your average high school class, but they are a great way to prepare for college if that's in your future. I took AP writing/comp. in HS, and it really helped me adjust to freshmen english in college. If I hadn't prepared myself, those eight papers in one semester would have hurt.
2007-02-21 19:11:28 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I slept through both classes (AP US from the second quarter on, AP Language from the first day), and I got 5s on both tests. I see no reason why if you put your effort into it you can't at least get a good grade in the class and pass the test.
2007-02-21 17:56:46 · answer #5 · answered by fatty m 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Are these your best subjects? You will be doing college level work and you have to pass very hard tests. If you are willing to work really hard, harder than you have before, you can do it. If you do poorly, however, the low grades you get will not look good to a college.
2007-02-21 15:51:37 · answer #6 · answered by amoss311 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Go for it! Test scores don't lie; don't cheat yourself. They say the classes are the same, but they are not. AP classes will give you more!
2007-02-21 15:48:16 · answer #7 · answered by Answerz 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Easy.
2007-02-21 15:43:23 · answer #8 · answered by sissy 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋