How much do AP classes matter to UMich?

MaryGJ
Sat, 11 Mar 2017 18:59:13 +0000

If your school offers APs that apply to your major, you need to take them. Particularly, if your major is STEM related. If your school offers AP Calc AB-BC, AP Chem, AP Physics, AP Bio, AP Stats…and you want to get into engineering, or a LSA Biology/Pre-Med…you needed to take the most challenging classes your school offers. And you need to get the best grades possible.

If you’re interested in Engineering, you probably don’t need need to take AP History, or AP Psych, but if you’re interested in Political Science, you probably should. See what I’m saying? Take the most challenging courses that support your major. Everyone should take AP English. Both, if possible.

One reason AP classes are attractive to highly competitive schools and departments… is that admissions can compare apples to apples. They are standardized and the school knows what material has been taught and what hasn’t. They’re also evidence that a student can handle college level material.

To illustrate what I mean…say there are 10 major skills taught in “Basket Weaving Class”

In Nebraska, “Honors Basket Weaving” might cover only 6 major skills.
In Vermont, “Pre-Basket Weaving” might cover the same 6 skills.
In Alabama, “Basket Weaving 2” might review skills 1-5, and teach skills 6&7
In Maine, “Basket Weaving 1” might cover 9 skills.

The names of classes, and what’s actually covered…vary incredibly from school to school and state to state. “Honors” doesn’t actually MEAN anything, nor do 1&2. But since the same AP material is taught in every state, it’s easier to make true comparisons.“AP Basket Weaving” will cover all ten skills, in every state…same curriculum.

The University can better judge how well prepared their AP students are.

Taking AP proves you’re ready for the rigor of UMich.