A classic debate here on CC is whether or not one should take as many AP classes as possible. I feel that it is best to take APs relating to one’s interests, rather than taking all that are available. The problem with this is that it makes it possible for class rank to go down (if based on weighted GPA) or for the GC to check off “very challenging courseload” as opposed to “most challenging courseload”.
I have noticed that on this board it is mostly the parents of students in private/challenging high schools who suggest that students take fewer APs. The students tend to want to take as many as will fit the schedule.
What are your thoughts on this? What have you done?
<p>I've pretty much taken as many as possible because I don't have any super strong or super weak areas. I don't regret it. The amount of work is not suicide-inducing, and passing the test at the end gives a feeling of accomplishment. I've taken 9 through my high school career and can honestly say the level of learning in those classes was much, much higher than it would've been at a lower level.</p>
<p>By taking a difficult AP course load (4 APs next year), does it prepare you for the ACT more, since you are producing college work, and AP classes are college classes (essentially)?</p>
<p>I've never taken the ACT, but don't get caught into the idea that AP coursework difficulty = College coursework difficulty. It's definitely a kindler, gentler environment with AP.</p>
<p>I don't support bulking up on as many AP's as possible. I'll graduate with 9-10, but a few of those will be because I've reached the highest level or high enough (calc, spanish), the rest are things I have a strong interest in. I don't like this trying to impress college thing.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Try to take advantage of the number of AP classes your high school offers.</p></li>
<li><p>Don't take a class because it "looks good." You're taking it for the wrong reason and when test time comes, you'll be spanked.</p></li>
<li><p>If you're interested in a class, then sign up and take it, even if it's not one of your strengths.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>At my school, APs are college difficulty, and so is any class. I must say, I think college will be easier than High School, from my experiences. I'm not the least bit frightened.</p>
<p>Your high school AP classes are more difficult than college courses? What college are you basing your comparison on- a community college? I've gotten 5's across the board on the 4 ap exams I took my senior year so my school did a pretty good job preparing me, considering that I did very minimal if any study outside the classroom, and the college courses I'm currently taking are no where near the ease of my AP courses.</p>
<p>AP classes are a joke, as are the tests
Anyone with a brain can self-study for any AP test (besides music theory and studio art) and get a 5 with a week's worth of studying</p>
<p>That's like saying the SAT IIs are hard.. lol</p>
<p>I have to disagree. I am currently a junior taking 6 hard AP's and I am enrolled in evening class at Wake Forest. Both my parents are college prof. so sometimes I sit in on their class. I have found that the average workload per AP class is equal to the workload as the college class. The only difference is that I have to study for that stupid AP exam. </p>
<p>However, in terms of learning i have found a college class is much better. AP is more of a game rather than learning the material. The AP committee is looking for a phrase in your answer to give you the points. If you write a page about something, but dont include the phrase they are looking for word for word , they wont give you the points.</p>
<p>People in my school with less APs than me take junior level classes at NYU. They say they are easy. It's different in the NY edication system, which is harder than most, and for a Specialized School in NYC. Not CC. My school has extremely rigorous standards that exceed the state's two or three fold.</p>