Is AP really worth it?

limabeans
Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:57:45 +0000

Your initial question is “Is AP worth it?” If you have read any of my other posts about this subject, I think having a dozen of so AP courses is actually a weakness. i it indicates the HS doesn’t offer anything accelerated other than AP courses, and those are just foundation classes 2) the AP courses are generally survey courses and the curriculum is quite rigid, so you never can get into depth that you might if you took an Honors course 3) taking so many AP courses means you haven’t had opportunities to pursue other interests/electives/passions) 4) some HS push kids to take AP courses because this makes them “look good” and earn a higher rank in the Newsweek rankings. That doesn’t always mean you should be taking them though.* Among my pals who are HS GC, I have heard that ivies and other top level colleges are “expecting” to see a minimal number of APs (5-7) on a HS transcript.

Having said that, I suggest you choose wisely. For instance, don’t choose AP Physics if you are weak in math and science. Preferred AP courses include Chem, Bio, US Hist, a language, and a math. Weaker AP courses are considered Statistics (much better to have taken Calc AB or Calc BC, or even Honors Calc than AP Stat. You’d take AP Stat only as an add-on.

Your weak scores indicate these courses are too difficult for you. Your GC should have told this to you, but here’s how colleges will see it: you shouldn’t be taking APs unless you can comfortably get a 3. If you are getting a 2, then you should be taking Honors courses instead.

In summary, “is AP really worth it?” No, unless you can earn at least a 3.