April showers bring May flowers… and new classes. It’s that time of year again when Wahlert students are asked to start signing up for classes in the coming fall. This is no easy task, and the dreaded question often arises: Should I take an AP class?

AP, or Advanced Placement, classes are regular courses on steroids. These courses cover the same subjects as regular classes, but they explore the topic on a deeper level and require more time and effort.

AP courses involve a lot of reading, writing and studying; but they can be well worth all the extra hours. If a student passes the AP test at the end of the year, meaning he or she scores a three or higher out of five points, then they are eligible for college credit. Mrs. Katie Lenart, one of Wahlert’s guidance counselors, recommended this website, apstudent.collegeboard.org/creditandplacement/search-credit-policies for students who are curious about what scores are required for a specific college.

Receiving college credit in high school can be a great help in the future. According to StudyPoint, a website aiming to assist students in their academic careers, taking AP courses improves the chances of being accepted into colleges and receiving scholarships. It can also lighten the college schedule, allowing a student to travel abroad or opt out of certain classes, in order to focus on another area.

Most importantly, AP classes allow students an opportunity to gain a better understanding of what college courses are like, and overall, they are useful in preparing for college.  

Along with the various beneficial aspects of taking part in these classes, there are also certain drawbacks that come with taking too many AP classes.

“As with anything in life, balance is necessary. I believe a student can be overwhelmed with too many AP courses, especially if they are also very involved in activities after school.  It can be hard to find the time to really put forth the effort necessary to succeed in multiple AP classes,” Lenart explains of the harmony between AP courses and the other factors of a student’s life.

Deciding to take an AP course should be a carefully considered decision. “Know yourself and your academic abilities,” says Lenart as advice for students contemplating taking an AP class. “Talk to your teachers about their recommendations. Make sure you have the time to put a consistent effort into the class. Be ready for some hard work. Understand it’s okay if the material doesn’t come easily, continue to work hard and ask questions.”

Signing up for these classes usually involves a teacher’s recommendation to take that particular AP class. However, students are always welcome to talk to their teachers about enrolling in an AP class, even if they are not recommended.

The decision of whether or not to take AP classes is a difficult one, as there are advantages and disadvantages to both. However, the best way to determine if AP classes are the right choice is to be informed about the specific class, and AP classes in general.