I always get questions from friends and underclassmen as to why AP is so important and why they should be taken. Students seem to come up with better reasons to back out of the course rather than take it. I, on the other hand, can give way better reasons as to why everyone should take a shot at an AP course.

What's the difference between AP classes and regular classes?

Advanced Placement (AP) classes are college level courses that are graded on a 5.0 scale. An 85 in an AP equals a 95 for your GPA. So AP courses boost your GPA, for one. Secondly, you get the opportunity to earn college credit. At the end of an AP course you take an AP Exam; if you pass then you get college credit and do not have to retake the course your freshman year of college. Lastly, you are taught on a college level when taking AP courses. The work is more challenging, but it's worth it in the long run. By the time you get to college, the amount of work won't seem to high; AP classes give you the college experience while you're still in high school.

Why take a class I know I'm going to fail?

Lose that attitude! Seriously, AP is only as hard as you make it. If you don't study then you won't pass, simple as that. Study and do your work, then everything will run smoothly. AP classes are not that hard, you just have to stay focused and stay on task.

Is the work harder?

Yes it is. There's more work and harder work, point blank. You will, however, appreciate it. As soon as the summer hits, I guarentee you'll be glad that you decided to take the course instead of drop out.

What kind of AP classes are there?

That depends on what your school offers. Most schools offer AP World History, AP US History, AP Chemestry, AP British Literature, etc. There's also AP Psychology, Enviromental Science, Biology, Spanish, French, Calculus, Statistics...... the list goes on! None of these courses are just walk throughs so none should be taken lightly; remember all require an exam at the end of the course.

How was the AP experience for you?

I don't regret signing up for AP at all. It was quite rigorous, but I enjoyed it. There were times I just felt overloaded and didn't want to do anything (I did skip out on homeowrk a few times) but it all pays off in the end. I learned so much and didn't even realize it until I started taking test and actually knowing what I was talking about. Taking AP classes made me realize that the world is not going to give me all that I want; I'm going to have to work for it, and work hard!

I think everyone should take AP! If you're thinking about it, just do it! Nothing but positives can come out of it. Whether you pass the actual exam or not, the fact that you took AP will affect your future. Colleges love a student with lots of AP courses on their transcript, too. Take my word for it, the course will do wonders for your high school career!!!