Do AP classes accurately reflect college classes?

Question

Are AP classes as hard as real college classes, or was I fooled throught my high school years? According to my AP biology teacher, high school AP classes teach more than do college level classes. Is this true? If it is true, does that mean that if you get A's in AP classes you are likely to also get A's in college?

Answer 1

I can't say this applies for all schools, however in my experience, NO, AP classes are NOT as rigorous as even community college courses. My best friend took every advanced class at a highly respected high school--I'm talking chemistry, physics, calculus, etc. We took some classes at the local community college while still in high school and found that the course work was still challenging and that she wasn't any more prepared than I was (w/o AP) and we often scored the same on tests. I will say that you have a better chance at getting A's, simply because you're a better student. You have better study skills and you probably learn faster--hence you were offered the opportunity to take AP classes. I think your AP bio teacher is trying to justify his career choice.

Answer 2

"Are AP classes as hard as real college classes" - I'd say yes here. In many cases the books we used in AP when I was in high school were used at the University of South Carolina. My roommate Freshman year, a Biology major who had taken AP Biology in high school, was tutoring someone in BIOL 101 and he said the material was pretty much the same.

"According to my AP biology teacher, high school AP classes teach more than do college level classes" - I'd say this is pretty accurate too. The corresponding university classes are often the largest classes at Universities. A single section of ENGL 101 at the University of South Carolina had over 100 students and was typically divided into smaller groups taught by TAs. My AP English class in high school had roughly 30 students - where do you think learning is more easily facilitated on average?

"If it is true, does that mean that if you get A's in AP classes you are likely to also get A's in college" - It might be a good indicator of how you'll do in 100-level classes, not necessarily in upper-level classes. Keep in mind too that at some universities, a good (3 or better) AP test score means you can get credit for its corresponding class without actually taking it. As for upper level classes, getting a 4 or a 5 on the AP European History Exam doesn't guarantee an "A" in "The French Revolution and Napoleon" once you get to college, but in general you'll have a better understanding of the basics of the material.

Answer 3

The difference in college classes especially in hard sciences is that the amount of reading and studying necessary to do well in these classes is double. They can't give you 10 hours of reading and studying each week in high school because you're taking too many classes. In college you'll only be taking 4 -5 classes instead of 6-7 in hs. But if you got an A in AP then likely you'll get an A in college becasue that's your work ethic. If it is with regards to your major I would not skip the college class. In other words if you took AP biology and want to use it as an elective in college that's fine but if your major is biology, take it again.

Answer 4

It depends on what level of college class you are talking about, who the teachers are, and what university you attend. An AP class will usually give you at least as much information as the first-level college class you would attend, which is why many colleges allow students getting high scores on AP tests to forego the starting classes of their respective fields, because they have demonstrated they already know most of the material.

Generally, the AP tests are very similar to the type of tests normally given at the college level. If you get A's in AP classes, it does mean you will likely be better prepared for the academic rigors of a college education, but whether you'll get an A in the same classes or not depends on how hard you continue to work, and you'll be under less supervision.

Most importantly, no matter what classes you are in, it's always best to do as well as possible and to take your education seriously, and take advantage of every resource and scholarship. Getting A's in AP classes can qualify you for a number of academic scholarships, so ya if you get A's in those classes you'll be at a significant advantage.

Answer 5

Depends on the AP classes, depends on the college class. College usually goes faster and covers more material, but there's less busy work, which makes it easier for some people but harder for others. Also keep in mind that lots of college professors grade on a curve, so not everyone can get A's.

Answer 6

All my AP classes in high school were way harder than the classes I took in college (they lasted longer-- a whole year compared to semester and gave me tons more work), but that doesn't mean that you'll get all A's in college. Professors grade differently and teach courses differently, it just depends on how well you do in the college environment. If you study hard and do your work though, you should do well.

Answer 7

The classes themselves, and the grades you received, don't really tell you much, as these can vary a lot from school to school and teacher to teacher. If you received 4 or 5 on the AP exams then you did work comparable to a college course.

Answer 8

I think in depends on the class you are taking. If you are getting A's in high school it is probable that you will continue to get good grades in college classes, although college is harder. College classes also tend to move pretty fast, so do AP classes so in that way they are similar.

Answer 9

Hey I cannot give a definate yes or no answer to this question.

It depends on the teacher and high school you attend and analogously on the professor/TA you and department you have in college.

You will be older and more mature in college (hopefully) so you will have a different work ethic when it comes to studying.

There is no final answer to this question.

Answer 10

A's in college will depend to you commitment to the class, but A in your AP is a good start. Don't forget to have fun in the process, not all are classes and studies.