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How many AP classes should I take for my sophomore year? Should I take the AP PreCalc that will be offered next year?
I will have these options:
English 10 Hn
AP European/ regular
AP PreCalc/ regular
Chemistry Hn/ regular
AP Statistics
I want to be majoring in economics. Thank you
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6 answers
Rodolfo Elias Madero
Sr Technical Business Integration Specialist / Engineer
3
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Orlando, Florida
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Rodolfo Elias’s Answer
If you are doing well in Pre-AP courses and don't feel overwhelmed by the course load, take as many AP courses as you can.
It's free knowledge that university students pay thousands for in the USA. If you play your cards right, this can mean significant financial savings for you.
If you're looking to go to school for Economics, AP Statistics and AP Calculus will give you an edge to enter more competitive programs, or better prepare you to excel in any economics program.
The more competitive the program, however, the less likely they'll accept lower AP scores for credit, and the more likely you'll be competing with students who did a full AP curriculum - so you'll have to research a bit and see what's best for you.
It's free knowledge that university students pay thousands for in the USA. If you play your cards right, this can mean significant financial savings for you.
If you're looking to go to school for Economics, AP Statistics and AP Calculus will give you an edge to enter more competitive programs, or better prepare you to excel in any economics program.
The more competitive the program, however, the less likely they'll accept lower AP scores for credit, and the more likely you'll be competing with students who did a full AP curriculum - so you'll have to research a bit and see what's best for you.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Trang
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Nowadays, the only reason you want to be in ap/ib is to get college credits. Although there is merit in receiving good grades in accelerated courses, it's better to take standard classes and get good grades rather than struggle if you cannot take the workload. It all depends on if you believe you can handle it.
Thank you for your advice, however, my school does not allow me to do dual enrollment to get college credits at any community college, so the only reason I take it is because of grades. For some classes, AP/ regular classes are the only ones available, no honors offer. In this case, what should I do?
Trang
Let me clarify. Ap or Ib classes can be translated to college credits once you graduate and enroll in a college. It's not dual enrollment. Depending on the courses, for example, if you are good in math and they are offering ap, then go for it. If not, there's nothing wrong with taking standard classes. It all depends on how much you can handle. You are allowed to change classes midway. If you are in standard classes and it's too easy, just talk to your counselor and ask them to upgrade you to ap.
Eric Lee
Yes for college credits, dual enrollment can be an option, however, it's sadly not for me. The only way I can get a boost in GPA is APs, should I take them?
Trang
Theres two kinds of gpa. Weighted and unweighted. Most colleges only care about unweighted which means aps don't matter. But if you're going for ivy leagues then definitely go for ap
Eric Lee
Colleges are looking for students who are well rounded. So I would encourage you to balance a strong load of classes along with extra curriculars like sports, volunteering and working.
Jen Millard, MS
Updated
Kaylee’s Answer
Agreed with the previous responses around AP courses being great if you can fit them into your schedule without being overwhelmed.
One thing I wanted to add is that you may want to think about schools you are interested in attending to see if they will accept the AP credits. Some schools won't accept them, which may change whether or not you decide to take it.
Another thing to consider is the impact on your GPA. If you take AP classes it will boost your GPA, but some colleges only look at GPA without AP score adjustment, so you want to make sure you can still get good grades with the class added to your schedule versus thinking "a B in an AP class counts as an A".
One thing I wanted to add is that you may want to think about schools you are interested in attending to see if they will accept the AP credits. Some schools won't accept them, which may change whether or not you decide to take it.
Another thing to consider is the impact on your GPA. If you take AP classes it will boost your GPA, but some colleges only look at GPA without AP score adjustment, so you want to make sure you can still get good grades with the class added to your schedule versus thinking "a B in an AP class counts as an A".
Updated
Bailey’s Answer
Do not overwhelm yourself with AP courses! I would advise you to only take a few so that you can manage your course load without being overwhelmed. Additionally, I would advise you to look into taking college class over AP. I took 5 college classes in high school, and the classes counted for both high school and college credit. By taking college classes, I went into college with my first semester already completed!
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Hello: My advise regarding AP classes is to take as many as you feel you can handle. You don't need to take them all, but they will often provide college credit if you have a decent score on the AP exam. If nothing else, it will make your initial college courses a bit smoother, while you settle in and try to figure out your major.
Updated
Caleigh’s Answer
Taking AP courses are a great way to prepare for college courses. I agree with some of the previous answers that you shouldn't overwhelm yourself with AP courses (especially as a sophomore). If you are interested in majoring in Economics getting a head start on STEM subjects is the way to go. I would advise taking AP statistics or AP PreCalc/Calc which will set you up for taking more AP math classes your junior or senior year. It is important that you can get a good grade in the AP classes you choose to take and can get a 4 or 5 on the AP test.