Are AP classes worth the time in ALL situations?

Ok, so i know most people on here usually say yes, they are worth it, yada yada, but I don’t know if i should.

I am a sophomore right now and am in 3/4 honors classes that are available (math isnt honors at all only regular and AP) and I am doing well. In 9th grade a had a 3.4 and now the first semester of this year i had an average of 3.8, so I am doing better. Anyway, I was thinking of doing AP classes until I realized something… Do I really need them for the schools I want to go to? Penn state, Pitt, ( i live near Philly) and other state schools? My friend who is a senior got into her top choice state schools and had a solid average in regular and honors classes and said it was a waste of time to do AP’s if state schools were my goal too.

I would consider private schools, but my parents don’t have the money for that.

So are they worth it in my current situation if I only am reaching for schools like Penn state or Pitt?

Penn State is still selective, just not as selective as Penn or even Berkely, for example. You shoul try to take at least math APs and a science AP- so like 3-4 minimum.

Well if money is a factor, taking AP classes can earn you college credit and will also make you more likely to get scholarships at state schools. Also, if your family qualifies for financial aid, some private schools might end up being cheaper than public.

Take an AP class if you’re interested in the subject; advanced classes aren’t only about improving your resume for college.

Yea I really want to but my parents keep saying I should just take honors and get the A… My honors class this semester was WAY too easy, we had a ton of partner quizzes and a total of 2 unit tests so not the best preparation for APUSH… That was my main one and I want to double up in math (semester schedule) and do AP stat.

What should I tell my parents to let me take APUSH? I am honestly starting to want to switch down to honors.

@rippedfishnets @Anish14 @tlf123098‌

Don’t use the debate that a B in an AP class is better than an A in an honors class. That doesn’t get through to parents. Convince them that you will put in work so you will get an A either way, and an A in an AP class is better than an A in an honors class. When convincing your parents, don’t let them convince you (and don’t let them believe) that taking a harder class means sacrificing a good grade. You can certainly have both. I’m not really sure what other advice to give you because my parents were never involved in my schedule, so I never had this issue. Good luck!

Thanks! @rippedfishnets‌

APUSH is a really awesome class and whether or not you’re interested in history you learn more than I can even explain! When compared to an honors history course, APUSH really teaches you to think in a way that makes you a better debater/writer and allows you to understand our complex political issues, making you a better citizen. APUSH also isn’t too hard to get an A in if you care about it and put the work in. If your parents see you’re serious about taking the class, maybe they’ll let you

I’m not sure about that… Especially at my school. One of the apush teachers came into our class to talk about it and he said that most of his student have B’s and 2 or 3 have an A, but I would be completely fine with getting a B.

Anyways my guidance counselor said it was fine and stat will only overlap one marking period so I don’t really think it will be that bad. @tlf123098‌

At my school, I think most kids got Bs but most of them copied assignments from each other and didn’t do the homework, so they didn’t know stuff for the tests (especially DBQs/FRQs). I’ve taken 7 AP classes, but I feel like APUSH taught me the most. I’d say it’s worth it