Advanced Placement (AP) classes offer students an opportunity to take harder, faster paced classes to earn college credits after the exam and a GPA boost (a B would be like an A, a C like a B, and so on). These credits will allow a student to skip that class in college. They are an important and time-consuming commitment for the students who choose to take the class. And students agree that AP classes are generally difficult.
Sophomore Shreeya Subramani has completed two AP classes so far and is currently taking four others. She describes Calculus BC as the hardest AP class she’s taken thus far. Subramani thinks this because, “the workload is a lot.” For the AP exams Subramani has finished, she feels that Pre-Calculus was easier than her other exam as it was mainly about memorizing formulas and theorems. She feels that the struggle is worth it because she won’t have to worry about taking that class next year.
Senior Arjun Singh has taken over 10 APs throughout high school. Singh agrees that Calculus BC is the hardest AP. “Its a lot of theory and putting it into real life (application)… and you’re applying the things you’re learning,” Singh explains. He also said the class is fast paced. The difficulty is worth it, according to Singh. “You want to take classes that challenge you. You never want to stay at ease because if you’re [taking easy classes], you won’t learn anything,” Singh says. “You want to set your goals very high, and even if you don’t reach them, you’re still trying.”
To summarize, AP classes and exams are difficult and require plenty of effort, especially Calculus BC. However, for the GPA boost and college credits, it’s worth the stress and difficulties. If you are interested in joining an AP class, talk with your counselor and check either your email or the school website for the class’s summer assignment.
