Do high school seniors understand fully the risk-reward system associated with signing up for advanced placement classes? A search online will show that nearly 50 percent of students do not earn the 3, 4, or 5 on the exam to be able to earn college credit.
Also, if you plan on going to a division one school, 4’s and 5’s will probably be the only acceptable scores they will give you credit for.
So, understand the risks associated with attaining college credit through the AP exam, because even if you have a 100 for both semesters the grade you get on the exam determines whether you earn credit.
Also, AP classes are very time-consuming and you will need to be ready to work long hours at night and do projects or many reading assignments over the Summer.
AP is probably about 5 to 10 times more demanding than a regular class, and if you get a B in the class then your rank will go down. At college the classes are 10 times easier than the amount of time and preparation you put in for high school AP classes.
Be sure to research the college you want to go to and determine the probability that you will be able to earn the score needed on the AP exam in order to get college credit; so, you will be fully informed in making the decision to pursue an AP class.
Matthew Boyle
Fayetteville, Ga.
