By Karen Phan, Staff Writer
The College Board is a non-profit organization that runs the Advanced Placement (AP) Program, which is popular among students across the nation. Students are encouraged to take AP classes and exams in order to get potential college credit; however, there are some pros and cons to keep in mind when enrolling in these classes.
AP classes have exclusive benefits students can enjoy.
Students can get college credit. Perhaps the most attractive feature of AP classes is the college credit. Tuition fees are high, and students can save money by receiving college credit for passing AP exams.
On an important note, students should be sure to research current college policies before taking AP exams. CNN reports fewer colleges are accepting AP credit, and private schools like Dartmouth are denying AP credit altogether. Not only this, but some colleges only accept AP exam scores of 4 or 5.
AP classes strengthen college applications and transcripts, if students pass. Colleges and universities like Honors, AP and International Baccalaureate classes since they offer much more challenging coursework compared to their less rigorous counterparts. These classes show students are hard working, challenging themselves academically and are prepared for the rigor of college.
AP classes are in depth. Students in AP classes devote more attention to learning about a subject in detail. These classes are great for students to study what they love, and be more prepared for their major in college. Students who are indecisive about their interests also have opportunities to thoroughly explore different fields of study in AP classes.
Despite these benefits, the AP system has its fair share of cons.
AP classes don’t foster healthy learning. The ultimate goal of taking AP classes is to later take AP exams, which are administered in May. To be eligible for college credit, pass with a score of 3 or above. These courses are test-intensive and often times place more importance on testing than thoroughly learning.
“… AP courses are a forced march through a preordained subject, leaving no time for a high-school teacher to take her or his students down some path of mutual interest,” writes former teacher John Tierney in The Atlantic.
What’s worse is many students enroll in AP classes for a scholarly transcript or GPA booster, regardless of whether or not they have any interest in the class. For many, AP classes foster a learning environment geared towards frantic test preparation and attractive college applications, rather than one that embraces curiosity.
AP classes are rushed. As previously mentioned, AP exams are administered in May nationwide. Teachers and students have from the beginning of the school year until then to cover a great deal of college level material, which can be stressful and burdensome, especially for those taking multiple AP courses. FVHS students are also at a disadvantage because they have less time to prepare for the exams since school starts in late August, whereas other schools start in early August.
AP classes are not perfect equivalents to college courses. While AP classes do prepare students for the rigor of college, Tierney mentions many students who received credit for their AP exams were unprepared and did not belong in his college courses. AP classes and college courses do not have identical curriculums, and AP programs vary in quality throughout high schools. Students would be better prepared by taking the required college general education and introductory courses or doing concurrent enrollment.
High school is a time for teenagers to explore their interests and prepare for college. AP classes are an excellent way for them to do so and have real value, but they are not meant for everyone. Students should select the AP classes they’re sure they can handle, and be cautious to not overwhelm themselves in high school.
