<p>I was wondering how everyone here was able to deem which AP Classes was worth their time? (Of course, the interests & major is an influential part in the classes) but for the other stuff, such as general requirements in classes - how can you figure out whether it would be beneficial or not? </p>
<p>I'm currently in AP Euro and I've been examining the colleges I'm interested in for their AP credits, and the class seems rather useless for me (besides as a general requirement fill for history - and it's not a lot of credit hrs either, even with a 5 on the exam) since I'm planning on pursing a major in some type of science. I'm planning to take all the major AP science classes I can at my school (unfortunately, I won't be able to fit Anatomy into my schedule but I can also enroll into a community college for that). But for stuff like social studies (which are extremely time consuming classes at my HS - ranging from nearly 1-3 hours of hw a night, and (difficult) tests basically every week and a half). </p>
<p>So I was wondering how everyone here was able to figure out which advanced classes would be beneficial to them, specifically classes that wouldn't pertain to their major/field of interest? I'd rather not take an unnecessary class just for the "AP" status on my transcript when I won't need it in college (since 1. I'd rather not waste my time and 2. I'd rather not fork over $80 for an AP exam credit I won't use.)</p>
<p>Well, for me, I’m the exact opposite. I took AP Calculus AB because I am not majoring in the sciences or mathematics and a majority of my colleges require first-semester calculus. I figured if I took the course and got a 4 on the exam, I would not have to take any math in college whatsoever. </p>
<p>I took AP Biology as a junior and I don’t really know what drove me to. It was very difficult, time-consuming, and will not be particularly beneficial in terms of college credit and placement. </p>
<p>As for English, history, and humanities AP courses, I took them because I found them interesting and they expanded my horizons in terms of my interests for the future. I do think AP Biology and AP Calc have benefitted me in the sense that I am now more well-rounded of a student and (because of Bio) I am now vaguely scientifically literate and can speak knowledgeably about the subject while applying it in conversation. As for practical value, that is yet to be seen. </p>
<p>Knowing European history is pretty important in terms of understanding where we came from and broadening your view of the world. However, I do understand the struggle with practical benefits. </p>
<p>For me it was never about what colleges wanted or what credits transferred. I just took APs because they were more rigorous than other classes and it was the more suitable environment. I took max amount of APs every year and never felt overwhelming stress (took 7 senior year). You just take whatever classes you are interested in. </p>
<p>It should also be noted however that you should also push yourself in the core areas like english. The english langage exam and class should be taken by anybody by anybody who is going to college. Other classes like APUSH and government should also be taken by most serious college bound students.</p>
<p>P.S. If you are spending more than an hour on homework for one class then you’re doing something wrong. You need better study habits or to form a study group. Having enough time should never factor into AP classes until you start getting above 4.</p>
<p>@nickb14 Thanks for your input! I’ve definitely already decided to ensure that I do take AP english courses (and it helps that I enjoy the subject, haha). I’ll probably stick to taking those humanities classes then!</p>
<p>@jimmyboy23 Thank you for your thoughts! I’m definitely going to be taking AP english classes, and I think I’ll stick to my original plan, which included the history classes offered at my school (APUSH & AP US Gov).</p>
<p>For the time management thing - I agree! When I first started out in the beginning of the year (for AP Euro), it took me forever to do the required reading. I’ve cut it down to about an hour per night by figuring out what really benefits me in learning the material for the long run. The numbers I gave earlier were estimates that were given to me from upper classmen, and what I was told by my teacher. But, yes, I do agree that spending too much time for one class means that something needs to be changed!</p>
<p>For the most part, we can’t see how anything will be useful to us until we’ve already learned it. Take classes that interest you, and (since you’re in high school and presumably aren’t aware of all your interests) take classes that don’t interest you. If you want to take classes that will transfer, look up AP course equivalences for the colleges on your list and build your schedule around them. </p>
<p>I think math and science classes are especially useful because (for example) if you ever plan to learn calculus in your life, it’s going to be a lot easier if you learn it through formal education when you’re relatively young. If you suddenly want to learn the contents of an undergraduate history course when you’re middle-aged and out of school, you can go to the library and get some books and read them. You’ll get a lot farther than if you were trying to do a similar thing with math or a lab science. </p>