As spring draws closer, and the stress of AP testing is on the horizon, students scramble into study groups, frantically revise notes and consult their teachers. All of this commotion generally leads students to wonder whether AP classes are even worthwhile at all. The answer? Undoubtedly.
Education is non-negotiable; any means of furthering one’s learning experience is a valuable choice, and AP classes are a direct reflection of that.
AP classes offer an excellent opportunity to expand a student’s academic knowledge and skills. AP courses are more concentrated versions of regular classes, allowing students to further explore their current academic interests and discover new ones. For example students who are fascinated by the STEM subjects can hone their skills through lab assignments presented in classes like AP Biology and AP Chemistry.
AP courses notably have a heavier workload than regular classes, but this work is absolutely worth it with all of the critical thinking skills and new knowledge students receive in return.
Aeryn Garrick (12) “I think AP classes are worth it if you are ready to commit to hard work. They can be challenging at times, and teachers can really make or break your experience, but in the end they are always rewarding. In my opinion everyone should take at least one.”
Some of the most widely discussed benefits of AP classes are in relation to college. All colleges and universities require a certain amount of class credits to graduate and fulfill major requirements. Notably, many schools will accept credits from AP and IB classes taken in highschool, if students receive satisfactory scores on the AP exams. Most schools accept scores of four and five, and some accept scores of three, although that is rare.
Anika Chandran (12) “I took quite a few [AP courses] because you can actually pass out of many prerequisites if you achieve a high score. They also prepare you for the rigor of college, which is why I think they are extremely beneficial.”
There are also situations where students can participate in unconventional exams. For instance, students taking AP 2D or 3D Art and Design take their exams in the form of submitting a portfolio of artwork that they create throughout the year. This is beneficial for students who struggle with anxiety or other issues preventing them from performing their best in the traditional test setting.
AP classes are incredible opportunities that students should absolutely take advantage of. It would be an injustice to not acknowledge all the wonderful teachers that make these classes so special. Oftentimes AP teachers are incredibly passionate about their subjects which only further motivates students to succeed and seek out knowledge. AP teachers guide each student through the basics in education that will help them pursue their goals in life.
AP courses can also be a controversial topic in the way that the exams are very costly, sitting at $100 per exam. In fact, between 2007 and 2019, College Board’s net profit increased from $576 million to $1.56 billion.
It seems clear that the company is more concerned with capital gain than education. While it can absolutely be argued that the College Board is a flawed corporation, exploiting parent’s and student’s fears of professional failure for profit, the classes themselves are not a part of this issue.
It is entirely reasonable for students to take AP classes for the educational experience, and not take the AP exam if they so choose.
Given this information, there is no doubt that AP classes themselves are worth the trouble. In the end, students should remember that education at its very core is meant to do just that: educate. Students should take advanced courses to challenge themselves and study subjects they are passionate about, leaving any preconceived AP-related stress at the classroom door. Any ANHS students who are considering taking AP courses should absolutely do so. The lasting knowledge and skills that students receive from these classes will stick with them all their lives.
