Advanced placement classes are college courses offered to high school students who seek a higher academic challenge. “Willing and academically prepared” students flourish in AP classes according to College Board. Each course available is structured to match that of the college-level entry class.
Independence High School offers over 10 AP classes that prepare students for the next chapter in their academic careers. Some of the most popular classes included; AP Biology, AP Physics, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP World History, and AP Government and Politics.
Alyssa Bond is a new teacher here at Independence, currently in her first year teaching AP Language and Composition.
During high school, Bond partook in 7 AP classes, which in her personal opinion immensely prepared her for college, and she says they “look good on college transcripts.”
Bond also made clear that if students succeed in normal classes, they benefit from AP classes because they are surrounded by those who share the same desire for a higher level of education.
In addition to preparing students for college, AP classes also provide a “challenge” according to Emily Barton, a first-year AP Biology teacher.
Barton says that more outside effort is required of students, especially because of a more demanding workload.
However, for some the challenge becomes overwhelming. A larger workload becomes a deal breaker for those who are interested in taking AP-level classes.
Those who choose to take these classes regardless begin to fall behind on work, which is a common occurrence among AP students.
Nevertheless, many AP students have found ways to stay on top of work and deadlines and offer advice for those who plan to take AP classes.
Junior Hung Ly, who has been in three AP classes throughout his high school career, believes that one major thing for students to learn is “self-discipline”.
Discipline is beneficial for all students, and Ly believes that it allows students to get through the “strenuous” process that is digging oneself out of a hole of late work.
Senior Sienna Nguyen, who is currently enrolled in three AP classes and has been in 5 others, mentioned that one can manage academic life and normal life by “making time separate for school work”.
Nguyen stated that she would request days off work when she was swimming in class work and she would use her free time during school to chip at her workload.
Senior Michelle Hernandez, who is enrolled in one AP class, stated that “using planners or jotting down reminders and timers can be super helpful” as well.
Hernandez offers additional advice for those who are worried about the pressure of being perfect or for those who want the perfect grade.
She states that those in AP classes need to recognize that just because “you are labeled as an AP kid, [it] shouldn’t make you feel like you have to be on a pedestal for perfection.” She adds encouragingly, “Everyone makes mistakes and that’s the part of learning.”
Now, for those who are considering joining AP classes, the process is no secret.
Barton says teachers and counselors look at students’ grades from previous years in a specific subject to see if those students are going to be able to handle and succeed in AP.
Ly stated that students who are looking into AP classes should “put in the work and effort to stand out academically” to get into AP classes. In addition, he mentioned that the hard work done to get into the class will help you throughout the course.
Additionally, if students have questions about AP classes, Bond stated they should “talk to two people, the current teacher, and counselor”. Speak to one’s current teacher to see if they believe they can improve from being in AP classes or if they suggest going into them, and speak to one’s counselor about switching into the classes and if they suggest as well.
