What Are AP Classes?
What are AP classes? Simply put, AP (advanced placement) classes are rigorous, college-level courses designed for high school students. In fact, there are as many as 38, although the number offered varies by high school. From AP English Literature to AP Physics, you can challenge your learning through an advanced curriculum and intense coursework.
In May, these courses culminate in AP exams that are administered by College Board in high schools throughout the US and across the world!
Although this may sound daunting, don’t shut down the idea of AP classes quite yet. Of course, they’re meant to be challenging, given that they’re more advanced than standard and even honors classes. However, they’re a gateway to start preparing for college, and with hard work, we believe that everyone is capable of succeeding in them.
We’ve just touched on the basics of AP classes—however, we’re sure that you still have many questions. In this blog, we’ll navigate you through the world of AP classes and help you tackle them head-on!
Benefits of AP Classes
Not only do you learn college-level material, but you can earn college credit!
Although the AP exam is not a required component of an AP course, it’s highly encouraged, as it’s the only way for you to get that prized college credit! Every AP exam is graded on a 1-5 scale, with 3, 4, and 5 being passing scores. For most colleges, with a passing score, you can receive college credit for the AP class. This means that once you’re enrolled in a college, you’ll be able to skip pre-requisite or introductory classes.
You’ll save money because there are fewer classes you have to take! In addition, with prerequisites out of the way, you might have greater flexibility to take classes that relate to your major or simply pique your interest.
It’s important to note that AP exams cost $97 each. However, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. This is generally determined by your eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch. To learn if you qualify, contact your school’s representative, such as an AP coordinator or guidance counselor.
You don’t pay for these AP exams through College Board’s website, but rather, through your school. During the fall (months ahead of the exams), your school will likely set a window for you to pay either in-person or online. Pay close attention to deadlines, as schools have different policies—you don’t want to end up paying a late fee!
How Do I Know If AP Classes Are Right for Me?
Without previous experience in AP classes, it’s tricky to determine which ones to take. We recommend that you ask a trusted teacher or school counselor for their insight, as they’re familiar with your academic performance. They’ve also advised other students before you with similar questions and concerns. Don’t hesitate to send them an email or schedule a one-on-one meeting. They'll admire your desire to grow as a learner through AP classes!
Another great resource to utilize is student testimonials. Ask your peers at school for information regarding the difficulty of specific AP classes they’ve taken. Although every student has different experiences, their advice can give you a better understanding of what certain AP classes entail. They might even share some helpful note-taking and study tips.
Lastly, don’t feel pressured to take classes you’re not interested in. Instead, play on your strengths. Are you an aspiring scientist harboring a fascination with cells? Why not try AP Biology? But, if analyzing primary sources is your thing, AP World History may be a better fit for you.
How Many AP Classes Should I Take?
As a first-time AP class participant, it’s best to start small, rather than dive into five overwhelming AP classes at once. By taking 1 or 2, you can truly focus on excelling in these classes. However, you can consider taking more in a year. Then, you’ll have personal experience in AP classes and a better understanding of the workload.
On that note, it might be unfeasible to take multiple AP courses and balance your grades, family priorities, extracurricular activities, and work. That’s absolutely okay! We all have to strive for balance in our lives, and this looks different for everyone. It’s great to challenge yourself, but overloading your schedule with AP classes will do more harm than good if you have to sacrifice sleep and your overall well-being.
Succeeding in AP Classes
Good job! You’ve enrolled in one or more AP courses. Now, here comes the hard part—actually taking them!
For classes like AP Psychology, there is a LOT of material covered in just a year. With so much content to learn, taking notes is unavoidable. Take effective notes by dividing them into organized sections. In addition, don’t regurgitate an entire textbook into your notebook—instead, write only the key facts and conclude with a short summary. As they say, great notes lead to great study guides, which are useful before quizzes, unit tests, and the AP exam itself!
If you’re struggling to understand the advanced concepts being thrown at you, check out the AP Daily videos, which are located in AP Central. These videos will give you in-depth explanations of course concepts. They’re a great alternative if you prefer taking notes through lectures rather than a textbook.
It takes time to get accustomed to AP-style tests, which generally consist of MCQ (multiple-choice questions) and FRQ (free-response questions). For additional FRQ practice, take a look at past exam questions, which are posted under each course page in AP Central. Through the detailed scoring guidelines and sample responses, you’ll learn how to approach these questions.
Final Thoughts on AP Classes
If you’ve decided to enroll in an AP class, or you’re already in the midst of taking one, we wish you luck! With our study tips and advice—combined with your determination and ambition—we know that you’ll thrive despite the rigorous nature of AP classes.
On a final note, remember to reach out to friends, family members, online tutors, teachers, or your counselor if you need extra support managing your classes!