Here at Seminole High School (SHS), many students from all the different programs may choose to take Advanced Placement or AP classes during their high school careers. AP classes have many benefits, such as providing the opportunity to earn college credit and to boost your GPA. AP classes are graded on a 5.0 scale, as opposed to a traditional class, weighted at a 4.0, or an honors class, weighted at a 4.5. Earning an A in an AP class shows that a student is very dedicated and academically driven, and it also bumps up your weighted GPA. This can make a significant difference to students who want to apply to top-tier colleges or universities.
However, earning an “A” in an AP class shouldn’t be your only goal. At the end of the year, AP tests are administered. These tests are comprehensive, meaning that they include all the materials that you learned throughout the year. These tests are usually pretty difficult, but it mostly depends on the class. Students typically begin studying for these exams months in advance to ensure that they earn a passing grade. Depending on the college you apply to, earning a score of 3, 4, or 5 can get you college credit. This means that you are excused from the class because you already know all the material.
The class in itself can be quite difficult, though. Many students take multiple AP classes at once, and balancing that workload with other responsibilities, other exams like the SAT and ACT, and a social life can be emotionally and physically draining.
Lauren Ansley, a junior in health academy at SHS, is all too familiar with this struggle. She is currently taking five AP classes, and says, “You definitely cannot procrastinate.” Ansley manages her workload by planning out her assignments days in advance. For example, if she has an assignment due on Friday, she breaks it down into smaller parts, working on some of it on Wednesday night and finishing the rest on Thursday. This approach helps her avoid the stress of cramming all her work into one night.
Another health academy student, Luis Villalobos, echoes Ansley’s sentiments. He recommends creating a study schedule early in the year. “Start studying for the AP exam really early, and know what’s expected of you so that you score well,” he says. Luis says that one of the most effective study methods is using past exams or similar practice problems. By familiarizing himself with the format and types of questions that will be on the exam, he feels more prepared and confident while taking the AP exam.
Villalobos also emphasizes the importance of understanding the College Board rubrics. College Board is the company that is in charge of AP exams. They upload detailed rubrics that show you exactly how each question should be answered. “Pay close attention to how they want your answers formatted,” Villalobos says. This attention to detail can make a big difference in your exam score, as the College Board expects students to follow specific guidelines in their responses.
Many teachers and other students stress the importance of creating schedules and to-do lists, but your schedule doesn’t need to take up too much time and space if you don’t want it to. It can be as simple as using the notes app on your phone. However, if you do want something that is more organized, there are apps that you can install on your phone or computer.
Taking AP classes requires hard work, organization, and time management. The classes may be tough, but with determination and the right strategies, you can do well in your AP classes with minimal stress and set yourself up for success in college and beyond.