Intro: The Decision to Take AP Classes

Before seniors at high school decide to enroll in AP (Advanced Placement) classes, it's vital to consider their motivation and expectations. My rule of thumb is that freshmen and sophomore students should focus on subjects they enjoy, while seniors should consider the importance of the class for their future academic and career goals. However, this should not be a blanket rule, as many students might underperform on the AP exam, resulting in low scores (1 or 2). These scores may not reflect the effort and knowledge gained during the course. This raises the question: is it beneficial to take AP classes if you don’t expect to succeed on the exam?

Why Take AP Classes?

From my experience, taking AP classes is influenced by the college admissions requirements, which often emphasize completing a rigorous course of study. Many top colleges consider AP classes as integral to a competitive application. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean you must take the AP exam. In fact, some students might view the AP exam as a personal challenge rather than a requirement.

Personal Challenges vs. Academic Success

Consider this: a proficient engineer took AP Art History and scored a 1 on the exam. This score might seem low, but it reflects the diverse range of subjects available in AP programs. Not every student will excel in every AP subject, and this should be taken into account when making your decision.

Career and Academic Paths

For students interested in specific majors, taking relevant AP classes can be highly beneficial. For instance, if you aspire to be an engineer, AP Calculus AB/BC and AP Physics are essential. For those considering a neuroscience major, AP Biology and AP Chemistry are crucial. However, if a particular AP class aligns poorly with your interests or future goals, it might be detrimental to your overall academic performance.

Supporting Your Decision

Motivation and the quality of instruction play a significant role in your AP class decision. A good teacher can change the game. For example, my daughter initially was hesitant to take AP Physics C: Mechanics and EM due to her dislike for the subject. However, after joining with a wonderful teacher, she became passionate about the subject, and her perspective changed.

Avoiding Unnecessary Stress

Not all schools offer the highest quality of instruction for AP subjects. If a student is concerned about poorly taught classes and finds themselves hesitant to enroll, it might be best to reconsider. In contrast, if a student loves a particular subject, taking it at their current school can be a path to success despite the challenges.

Conclusion: Balancing Expectations and Reality

Colleges value students who challenge themselves through honors or AP classes. While scoring well on these exams is favorable, simply aiming to take them reflects a willingness to push boundaries. If you’re genuinely interested in a subject and willing to invest the effort, taking an AP class can be highly beneficial. It will equip you with valuable skills that will positively impact your future academic journey. On the other hand, if your grade point average is already low, a poor performance in an AP class might affect your chances of getting into your desired college. Hence, the decision to take an AP class should be well-thought-out and based on a combination of passion, challenge, and realistic expectations.