Does taking AP classes in highschool really pay off in college?
I'm trying to decide if I want to take more AP classes in my next few years of highschool and I'm not sure if it is really worth all the extra work just for a bumped GPA. #highschool #ap
5 answers
Rachel Resnick
Rachel’s Answer
Yes it absolutely will! But it is going to take a lot of time, hard work, and stress. In order to manage stress you have to manage your time wisely. <span style="background-color: transparent;">You have to set a routine for yourself and stick to it for the most part. Once you get into the groove of a routine it will be much easier for you to manage your time and have enough time for everything you need to do (including relaxing). Make yourself to-do lists on a weekly basis, use Google calendar or a planner to keep track of events, deadlines, and due dates. In addition to setting a routine and sticking to it, plan out relaxing activities into your day. Or set aside a time, after everything is done for the day, that you can have "me" time. I have also personally found it essential to not only find time for myself but also make use of that time in a way that is best for me and my holistic wellness. I have found the HeadSpace app to be an essential tool in helping me relax and generally feel more relaxed throughout the day, Guided meditation, even if you have a busy schedule, will make you feel more at ease and relaxed throughout the day as a whole (not just when you have the time to relax and focus on that "me" time).</span>
<span style="background-color: transparent;">Set a routine.Use Google Calendar.Set aside Me TimeWrite weekly to-do lists and use a planner.Find a peaceful and restful activity that will help you feel relaxed.</span>
Simeon’s Answer
Jennifer’s Answer
I would say that it depends on your motivation for completing the courses and what you have to accomplish upon their successful completion. If you're going solely for a bump in GPA ... meh.
AP courses can provide a challenge in subjects that you're interested in, that you need a strong foundation in, or that are in subjects you want to explore in a more rigorous way. In addition to learning, AP courses offer a potential gateway to earning college credit. The AP exams are offered each year in the first two weeks of May and, depending on the score earned, can correlate to freshman/sophomore level courses. Grades and chosen curriculum are the top two things that colleges and universities consider in the application process; selecting a rigorous course load and being successful in its completion can also enhance your college admissions applications.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity to grow and/or would like to earn college credit and/or applying for competitive universities, taking AP courses is well worth the extra effort. Lacking motivation or a strong desire to bolster your educational goals, I wouldn't recommend taking the courses as you run the risk of doing more harm than good.
I wish you the best in your educational endeavors!
Jamie’s Answer
If you are hesitant to sign up for several AP Classes, maybe choose your favorite subjects or ones that are important for the career you want to pursue in the future.
TLDR - AP classes are worth the time so that you can be prepared for college level courses!
Jamie recommends the following next steps:
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