Everyone has probably been encouraged or told to take an Advanced Placement (AP) class. However, you may have been deterred from the class because of the workload or the stress associated with it. While this is true, there are some benefits. 

Should I take the AP test? 

One of the great things about Haverford High School is that the AP tests are not required if you take the class. Senior at Haverford, Susan Mattson, says that AP classes are “a great way to prepare for college and are a great way to prepare for higher education after high school” but that “AP tests aren’t worth it.”

On the college field trip, the tour guide, a senior at UPenn, said that passing his AP tests did nothing for him in college, and he got a five on most of his tests. This stands true for many colleges. The Progressive Policy Institute says that almost half of the colleges don’t accept AP scores below a four, and those are just the ones that accept AP scores at all. The test is also expensive. Typically, for students, the test can be $98 for each, and most people will take more than one AP class. So if a student is taking four AP classes and taking all the tests they could be paying up to $392. If you already know where you are going for college, and the school does accept AP scores, then the test is worth it. However, as a junior, maybe think twice before stressing about the AP test. Not only is taking the test expensive for multiple classes but passing might not benefit you.

I don’t want to go to college. Should I still take an AP class?

It’s still great to take a class at an AP level if you are interested in the subject. Though a priority for those taking AP classes might be to obtain college credits, AP classes are best for all students who want a more rigorous class in an area of interest. Most teachers encourage students to take AP classes if they are interested in the subject or are looking for a more rigorous class. AP classes should not be taken just for college credit because the classes may not help the students in college, if at all.

What are AP classes good for?

Megan Marshall, the AP Environmental Science (APES) teacher says, “There is a lot of work that needs to be done outside of class.” Passing the class requires students to have the motivation to stay on top of their homework, to put in extra time, and to maintain the fast pace of the class. This is congruent with Social Studies teacher Ryan Caviglia, who has been teaching AP World History since 2010. He said that the most important thing students can do for the class is the assigned reading. Marshall acknowledged that “many of us haven’t learned how to study, and that’s something that I think a lot of teachers, including myself, take for granted and don’t realize that you guys are still learning study skills.” This brings up a good reason for taking an AP class that people may not consider: learning how to study. This skill will pay off in college when studying may become more important.

What are the drawbacks of College Board classes?

Some students point out how AP classes focus on preparing you for a test, which can take away from learning. Jayling Goolsby, a Junior, took AP US History (APUSH) and is now taking AP Art. She felt that “having a class whose whole goal is taking a test at the end of the year kind of defeats the purpose of learning.” Marshall says that she, as well as other biology teachers, are always teaching for tests, and sees it more as just guiding the curriculum. Caviglia says that he doesn’t build his lessons by constantly thinking about the test. He tries to make his class emphasize critical reading, writing, and discussion so that the test, theoretically, is easy in comparison to the class. 

How do I make my decision on AP classes?

Before taking an AP class, consider your interest in the subject, the effect of that class on your transcript, and how colleges will look at it. Do take AP classes in an area of your interest. If you like chemistry, consider taking AP chem. Consider your priorities outside of school, like work, sports, extracurriculars, etc. If you’re overstretched with classes and sports, taking an AP class could harm your performance as an athlete and student. An aspect of American work culture that is not learned is the importance of work-life balance. Take the time in high school to practice reaching the right balance.