The Value of AP classes

mikemac
Sat, 15 Jul 2006 01:57:12 +0000

I went to HS and college “back in the day” (although not quite as long ago as your parents). Here’s my take. I took a few AP classes, then attended a public U ranked in the top 10. The AP classes had almost NOTHING in common with real college classes taught by nationally renowned profs, or even the lower-division ones. The focus in college is on synthesizing material and making a logical argument, the emphasis in HS seemed to be on memorizing facts.

That said, colleges look for students who take “the most challenging courseload available” as you noted. If you’re thinking of applying to a very selective college, you have to play the game. Take the AP class.