At Groves and many other schools, there are many Advanced Placement (AP) classes offered. These classes are generally more challenging, since they are filled with college-level content, and can be used in exchange for class credit at some universities. If you have taken AP classes before, you know that they can be super difficult, stressful and time-consuming. It makes people question if AP classes are actually worth their time and dedication. In the end however, there are various pros and cons to taking AP classes.
Firstly, there are multiple pros to taking AP classes. One of them is that you get a weighted GPA, which is a boost to your GPA and allows for some room in your grade for if you don’t do well on a few tests or assignments. If you do well in the class, it brings your GPA up, which looks very impressive when applying to college. For example, a B in an AP class is equivalent to an A in a regular level class. Furthermore, taking AP classes allows you to get an idea of what you may want to major in. AP classes are college course classes, so classes like AP Psychology or AP US Government and Politics can give you an idea of what you may experience in a similar major. Lastly, AP classes give you more preparation for college. This is because you get the experience of harder, challenging classes, and learn to spend more time on work and studying, like how one would in college classes.
However, the cons of taking AP classes may keep you from taking them. AP classes are very time-consuming and hard, which may cause you to be overwhelmed or extremely stressed out– especially if you do sports or other extracurricular activities. As well, when taking the exams for AP classes in May, there is a ton of pressure to do good, knowing that one exam determines if you get credit for college or not. Additionally, the college credit you may earn from the exam could potentially not be for anything. Some colleges may only accept a score of four or five for credit, despite a three on the exam still being a passing grade. It’s also possible that you could have to retake the class depending on your major.
Even though the cons of taking AP classes may seem daunting to some, AP classes are most likely worth it. Having skills for studying and taking on a workload comparable to that of a college student before you even go to college is very important and can help you set yourself up for success. College can be hard for students to adapt to because it is very different from the traditional schooling that many go through for most of their lives. Taking AP classes to prepare you for the college experience could help this transition go smoothly. All in all, AP classes provide a way for students to familiarize themselves with the workload of a college student, as well as giving students a head start on college credits.
