So, course selections for next year (10th grade) are next week. My advisor is really pushing me to try to see if I can get into AP World rather than Developing Nations. History is my second favorite subject, and I love all of it. Considering my solid A’s in this years course, I think an AP will add rigor to my class list. But, at the same time, I’m scared I’m going to get lazy and that my GPA will suffer from it. Also, a lot of the students in the class say it’s really hard and that the teacher is just a bad teacher, so I’m not sure what I want to do… can anyone offer any insight?
Study hard and take the more rigorous coursework. You may be able to pass the AP World History test and save yourself or your parent 3 credits or more in tuition. If you get lazy in 10th grade, you are doing it wrong! 
Good luck.
I’m torn on this one. Generally, I’d say that you would want to go for the most rigorous course, and since history is one of your favorite subjects…
On the flip side, your school’s pass rate on the AP exam sucks. Whether that is due to the teacher as you claim, or the result of sophomores taking their first AP test, I’m not sure.
I think I’d still go for the rigor. And if a hard course makes one lazy, what am I doing wrong?
I say go for AP as well. Even if the pass rate is low, enough self-studying and preparation should be enough for you to do well. There are a lot of good prep books out there to help you out.
Help me out here… Why skip classes in the college experience? What’s the point of being in a class with a meh teacher when you can experience it in college with a better one? 
^ To experience a better class in college (for which world history is a prerequisite) with a better teacher.
hmmmph!
i’m not sure this thread belongs on the cafe, but i’d say go for AP World. if you feel like you don’t have a rigorous enough load, an AP course will certainly make you work for that “A” ; )
Wait a minute here. You are going into 10th grade and considering IF you should do an AP class. Well, it depends on how good of a college you want to attend and how much freedom you want to take advantage of opportunities once you are there.
My DD had 7APs and some other college credits entering as a freshman. Having that leverage got her into a better school, probably more merit money, gave her the ability to do a study abroad during spring break as a freshman!!! Some of her classmates from the same HS did not get merit money, or as much, and are having your typical ho-hum freshman year. She has been able to garner several leadership positions on campus because her official status is as a sophomore, and seek internships a full year ahead of others. Also, she has added two minors and will still be able to graduate on time.
So, if you can handle it, do it.