Is taking AP classes in high school really worth it?
116751
Only if  you like the subject.  Don't take them just to skip classes in college because you may not get to, but if you're interested in the material, the class is worth while.  In my experience, you'll be taking a class with a smarter, more motivated group of kids, which makes it a better class all around.  Also, whether or not you skip out of anything in college, having taken college-level courses in high school you'll be much  better prepared in college.  It also doesn't hurt to have the extra year or two to get used to the kind of exam where 75% might be an A as those are a bit shocking when you get to college :)\n\nA note on Raindrop's post: To my knowledge, no reputable college will give credit for a course for which you recieved high school credit.
515718
Yes, it does. Most university and college admission officers take note of how many honor classes and advanced classes you have.  They know that those classes are much more difficult than regular classes, so it does carry weight in helping decide whether or not you are an ideal candidate.  However, if you are doing poorly in an honors or advanced class, it does look bad.  It would be better to get an A in a regular class.  So, if you are looking to take an honor's class, please consider if you'll be able to handle the rigors of studying for that class.  It basically depends on you.  And most the college and universities will look at your grades and see if you were a good student in the courses taken.  Umm... you should note that if you're taking an A.P. class, that is much more beneficial than an Honors class.  If you go to university and got a passing score on the A.P. Examinations in high school, you won't have to take the college level course for that A.P. class.  For example, I took A.P. Biology.  I got an B+, which is like an A+ in a regular Bio class.  I got a 4 (out of 5)on the A.P. exam, and so, I don't have to take this class in university.  I don't have to waste time and can focus on doing other requirements at college.  I hope this helps you.  Good luck! and Good day!
329392
Absolutely!!!\n\nI am an adult student (30 years old).  I enjoy my classes much more at this age than I think I would have had I gone when I was younger.  Things make more sense when you have had life experience.  I'm currently taking an economics class and I'm loving it.  It's actually explaining things I've heard about on the news.  I'm actually starting to understand how the world of commerce works.\n\nHigh school for me was bogged down by parental expectations and peer pressure.  I absolutely hated high school but love the college experience.  This is about me and what I can accomplish, it's not for anyone else but me!  \n\nIf you do decide to start going to school begin slowly.  The first class should be something that really interests you.  Even if you can't decide what degree you might pursue take something that you've always wanted to learn about.  If for no other reason than it gives you more knowledge. Knowledge is power :)\n\nI highly recommend the experience, not to mention the degree will be helpful!  I'm not saying it's easy, but it is well worth it!\n\np.s. If you are a working mom, it's still doable, it just takes a little longer and a lot of patience.
313172
Well, AP courses, while given in high school, are at college level. Your record certainly impresses me.
809794
College classes are intense. They are a lot harder than high school and there is no making them up. College prep gets you ready for life, whereas high school only gets you ready for college.
811436
Well, as a teacher of AP US history classes, you learn all about US history, which seems a bit obvious.  Almost all students who take the class (at least where I teach) plan on taking the AP exam in May.  Therefore, there's a strong focus on factual content and we cover the entire subject, from discovery and settlement to modern times.  Students have about 8-15 pages of reading a night, homework questions, an electronic bulletin board, papers, biweekly quizzes, and tests, which include multiple choice, short answer, and essays.  There is also practice for the DBQ - document based question - which asks you to take a position and defend it, using the documents you are given as well as your outside knowledge on the topic.  \n\nIn essence, while you learn content, you also learn discipline, how to write, how to think analytically, and how to construct a historical argument.  While the work is challenging, I don't think it's impossible.\n\nIf you are asking because you are thinking of taking the class next year, I hope you do take it.  It's a lot of work but very much worth it!  Good luck.
865404
I feel u. I took 3 yrs in high school and thought it was over, but I had to take more in college. I suggest you make sure you don't need anymore span. classes. I had to take at least 3 in college. But of course it is very valuable
864203
i do not recommend it unless you want to take lots of advanced math classes in high school\n\ni started to take algebra 1 in 8th grade, but it was too hars, so i dropped back to pre-algebra\n\nin 9th grade, my algebra class was easier because i had learned more and was in a regular class\n\nyou could drop back, or stay in it, it drop it. UNLESS, you want to take calculus or trigiometry in high school
356055
god, I am not letting my brother join ib. its probably more convenient to just take Advanced Placement classes without the hooplah of the IB program. Its probably based on my experiences with friends who got stupid and missed one exam and was denied that stupid special diploma until they completed that final exam and passed. Better to just stay AP.
575802
AP classes (especially taking the tests) look good, as well as advanced math and science classes.
698492
well, right now i'm in AP ush, AP chem, AP physics B, AP lang, precalc honors, and some other mandatory credits along with 7 extracurriculars. Depending on the teacher who teaches each course,  you might have different work loads, but i would caution you in taking this path because AP courses are very demanding. Be careful of getting yourself tied into a knot. And note, don't EVER Take about 3/4 or more AP classes without an off period unless you have no life or extracurriculars, because i am going insane right now. Take it from someone whose in the position right now.\n\nhowever, if you think you can manage it, it would be worth your while when you get to college. So, sit down, a write a list of all the classes you need and want to take, and list the pros and cons and reason whether or not you need that credit. It is not worth it if you take the class just for the credit and feel miserable all the way through and you didn't even need the credit.
1101085
It's been quite a while since I took AP History. From what I remember it was challenging, but not the hardest AP class I took. I don't do well with dates either. I'm better at remembering trends and general concepts about events than the exact date they occurred. I passed with a high enough score to earn credit at most colleges, but not the highest score possible. \nI'd think AP physics would be more difficult. I have a harder time with numbers than with words. Maybe you aren't the same, but it's much easier for me to write an essay like AP History requires, than to grind out abstract mathematical equations. Also, depending on what you want to study in college the classes may not transfer and you might have to take them again.\nI think AP History is an easier course to transfer than Physics. For example, several Medical Schools require college level Physics for entry but won't accept AP Physics. \nI also think it would be easier for you to find like minded students to study Physics with in a college environment rather than a high school one.\nNow the case FOR Physics: If you can handle the demanding schedule you have planned and do it well, it would look fantastic on your college applications!\nBest of luck!
792890
That's excellent just as long as you get ALL A's next semester it will continue to rise. Try to aim for a 3.5. Most colleges like a 3.0 or better. Highly selective like a 3.5 close to a 4.0. The maximum is over a 4.0 because AP classes are weighed more. A friend of mine currently as a 4.5 w/ all A's and some AP classes.
1039307
I would definitely take AP Calc.  I'm a biochem major in college now, and the chem classes at a university are definitely a lot more beneficial than at the high school level.  Plus, it's better to get the calc out of the way so you can start taking the physics sequences for p-chem.  The only thing is, I would check with the college you are going to to see if the second calc class is offered the semester/quarter you are starting in college.  If not, then you might have to wait a while to take it.
93722
I presume you mean that you are taking the prerequisites\nwhile still in High School, right?\n\nThe advantage to taking them in High School is that you\ncan avoid having to take them (and *pay* for them) when\nin college.  By putting them off, you might delay your\ncollege graduation (ie. have to take an extra semester\nor even year to get your degree).
942830
okay, trust me, if you're too lazy to write a paragraph, then AP european history is not for you. and it shouldn't be a hard thing to do. just BS your way through it. "i feel like i could learn a lot, regular classes don't challenge me enough, i'm really interested in the renaissance, blah, blah, blah." no one's will actually be sincere. if you care enough about school to want to be in the class, i'm sure you can do it.
90804
Yes!My high school was awesome.We had tons of AP and honors classes, a great football team, tons of extracurriculars, and I was involved in alot of them. I had awesome friends and loved high school most of the time. It was the best time of my life and I wouldn't trade it for anything!