<p>Why do some AP classes like AP European History, AP U.S. History, AP Psychology, and other AP classes have prerequisites? My school puts grade level restrictions on some of these classes. For example, AP Psychology is only a class for 12th graders. Are there specific reasons why schools do this? Can’t someone who thinks they can handle the workload challenge an AP class? Not talking about stuff like AP Physics and AP Calculus where math classes are obviously a necessary prerequisite.</p>
<p>Schools set their own prerequisites for AP’s. AP’s are equivalent to college level courses, so schools may be reticent in having freshmen and sophomores take them. US History is generally an 11th grade subject, so offering the AP version is appropriate at that level. If there is a class for which you feel you are qualified, talk to the department chair; s/he may override the grade requirement.</p>
<p>It varies by school. At my school, Intro to Comp Sci is a prerequisite for AP Comp Sci - even though I’ve heard of people that bypassed the prerequisite and did just fine. </p>
<p>Most schools have AP Lang 11th grade and AP Lit 12th; my school has them switched. It varies from school to school, like Ctesiphon said.</p>
<p>Do schools do this for financial reasons? o.O</p>
<p>No. They just don’t want you to flunk out. </p>
<p>they are trying to maintain their AP score average</p>
<p>@Hawkace Couldn’t people that prove that they can handle the workload take these classes?
@foolish ?? You mean make the school have a better AP score average? xD</p>
<p>I’m sure there have been students who probably took that class at freshman/sophmore year had good grades before hand but failed the AP test/class so your GCs are a little worried the same fate might befall you. Honestly you might want to get a recommendation from one of your previous teachers and see if they might vouch for your academic merit.</p>
<p>Also for AP test portion that is factored into a school’s ranks it’s number of students who pass/fail & % of students that actually take the test not an average AP score.(This might just be how USnews does it tho)</p>
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That depends on the school as to how much (if at all) the AP score factors into final grade and/or rank. At my school the actual score is not factored in.</p>
<p>At my school, the guidance counselors do this same thing. Their reason was that they don’t want the classes becoming too crowded. If you give students the option to take the class without a pre-requisite or a grade restriction, way too many people will sign up for them. AP classes are very attractive to students…even those who REALLY shouldn’t be in AP classes…</p>