<p>I have been noticing that some students are taking a lot of AP classes because they want to "boost their GPA up." Take an AP class, because you are interested in it and is actually willing to learn and work hard for that class. For example, I plan on taking AP Bio next year (currently taking bio right now), because it really interests me and I want to know more about it. Don't take an AP class because you want to boost your GPA up or because you want to be in the top 10 of your class rank. Also, you do not want to overwhelm yourself. </p>
<p>What AP classes are you guys taking next year? What are some of the reasons why you're taking it? </p>
<p>My school doesn’t label any classes as AP because they do not believe in “teaching to the test” however many students, including myself have taken AP exams. My school also does not weight classes or rank students, so there is no GPA boost. For me, I take the class because it’s the next one in the sequence and it’s a subject I enjoy and I like a challenge. I won’t take Govt to look good on my transcript because I have no real interest in the subject. The AP-level courses I’m taking next year (senior year) are:</p>
<p>English Lit
Spanish Lit</p>
<p>and two post-AP classes:</p>
<p>Multivariable Calc
Advanced Topics in Physics</p>
<p>All high schools weight GPA differently, so there’s no point in worrying about weighted GPA except for class rank.</p>
<p>I take AP and university classes because regular classes at my school (in subjects where AP is offered) are mind-numbing and not worth taking. Even if they were, I’d still gravitate toward more challenging classes because I’m supposed to be “smart” and I’m told taking challenging classes is what “smart” people do. I have ideals about being interested in learning for its own sake, but right now I have senioritis and my actions don’t live up to those ideals. :(</p>
<p>I don’t think people should only take AP classes in subjects they already know they like. High school students don’t necessarily know what they might end being interested in, and taking AP classes can give you perspective on what you like even if you’re not particularly interested in the subject. (Which isn’t to say you should take AP classes in subjects you hate/suck at, but if you’re indifferent to something you may as well take the AP class.) </p>
<p>I agree with person above me because it’s good take a variety of classes so that knowledge can help you in the future in college. Also, you might be able to get AP credit for some classes in college which can save money and time. However, taking AP classes for a GPA boost really isn’t a bad thing since the boost is like an incentive to work hard and challenge yourself. </p>
<p>I take APs for subjects that I am interested in. I have a large interest in history, so this year I am taking APUSH and next year I will be taking AP Euro. I like reading, and I like having an excuse to read literature I wouldn’t read on my own, so I will take AP English next year. I am not shallow enough to take certain APs because they “look good”.</p>
<p>I take alternate path classes because regular classes just don’t suit me well. I feel that I benefit from a different approach to learning, whereby the traditional lecture, homework, and exam routine is supplanted by much more individual pacing and attention. Without alternate path classes, I would probably be failing to graduate high school, but now I’m well on my way to a high school diploma!</p>
<p>I’m taking them to challenge myself. I’ve been in the highest classes possible and am just used to taking rigorous courses. However, I refuse to take the AP exams unless I know for sure I will need them in college. Waste of money otherwise! </p>
<p>Or maybe they would rather be more highly ranked for their own pride’s sake? I should have taken more APs this year. If I had, I wouldn’t be dropping down from the top 5.</p>
<p>Well, why does taking less APs somehow correlate with exploring interests? If I am interested in physics and take AP physics along with AP spanish, am I somehow betraying physics just by exploring other areas?</p>
<p>How can you even know your academic interests before taking a decent-difficulty course on the matter?</p>
<ol>
<li>there aren’t that many honors classes that I’m interested in
or any classes that i’m really interested in so i might as well take an ap class lol</li>
<li>in order to get a higher gpa/rank (1 out of 337 as of today yay)</li>
<li>some people in honors/standard classes are extremely sketchy</li>
<li>i need to fill up my schedule because i don’t feel like graduating at the end of junior year lol </li>
<li>looks good for college?? maybe?</li>
</ol>
<p>@loltired Are you a sophomore or a junior? What classes are you taking at the moment and what classes are you planning to take next year? And oh, extra curricular activities in and out of school looks really good! Service hours too! </p>
<p>@cgents18 I’m a sophomore! This year, I’m taking AP psych, AP Calc BC, and AP stats… I regret not signing up for an AP science but oh well too late to dwell on regrets. Next year, I’m planning to take APUSH, AP Lang, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C, AP Computer Science A, AP Gov, and multivariable calculus probably. I have a few extra curriculars in school and I volunteer at numerous places over the summer! How about you?</p>
<p>I’d rather people take challenging classes for bad reasons than not take challenging classes at all (assuming they have the prerequisites/aptitude for them). </p>
</p>