Is it better to take AP or Honors courses?
I have consistently been receiving B's in AP Chemistry, and for future reference, is it better to take an Honors Course and receive an A, or an AP Course and receive a B? I know colleges love AP courses, but is it worth it to sacrifice hours in an AP class I am not particularly interested in instead of taking the Honors option? #apclasses #college-admissions
5 answers
Simeon’s Answer
G. Mark’s Answer
I agree that AP courses can be harder to get a good grade in sometimes. I agree that Honors classes are very valuable. In my personal experience, I took AP courses in French, English, Math and Science. I also took honors classes. My personal experience was that I learned more in the AP courses. But realize that much of this is contingent on who teaches the course, the school, and the particular course.
Jasmine’s Answer
Congratulations on your hard work and taking accelerated courses. AP courses are weighed heavier, so a B in an AP class could average out to what an A would be in an Honors class. Check in with your school counselor to verify how grades are weighed. The biggest difference between the two classes is that with AP courses, you have the opportunity to take the AP exam for the class you took to see if you are eligible for college credit! This could save money on college tuition and depending on how many courses you take, it could shave off time which could make you eligible to graduate from college earlier.
Grotius’s Answer
I agree that AP credits may exempt you from having to take certain college courses, but be sure to check if that can be transferred to the college you're applying to and the course of study that you're interested in.
Besides that, and more importantly, AP classes can help train and prepare you for college level courses. It's much more challenging, and a lot more work, but the what you get from taking AP classes (especially developing good studying habits and learning how to learn) will help you in your college courses.
Ryan’s Answer
Hey! I'd recommend looking at the college you'd like to get into and seeing what credit they give for AP classes. If the college you'd like to go to gives full class credit, then I'd say go for the AP classes as long as you don't feel like it would be overwhelming. If you take the AP classes and do poorly, that could hurt your grade and ability to even get into the college you'd like to get into. I'd balance how comfortable you feel with the subject and trying to take the AP classes. Getting the AP classes out of the way will help you in the future.