Advanced Placement (AP) courses are selective classes that are not for the average student. College credits are awarded to those who succeed in these classes, and hard work is required to do so. There are many aspects of the AP curriculums that cause them to differ from regular or honors courses.
Cole Perkins, a freshman at Naples High, took AP Environmental Science as his first AP course this year.
“Since it was my first AP class, I wasn’t sure what to expect and I did the best I could,” Perkins said. “There were a lot of tests and the content was very difficult.”
Perkins claims that the transition from regular courses to an AP course was not an easy one.
“It was quite an ordeal,” Perkins said. “I realized that AP classes required more studying and more work to be put in to succeed.”
Heidi McLean, a sophomore, began taking AP courses early in her high school career. Because of this, she is able to distinguish the main differences between regular and AP classes.
“AP classes are at a college level,” McLean said. “This means the content is harder, the assignments can be more rigorous and the teachers expect you to be a lot more independent.”
There are certain AP classes that are more difficult than others, which allow students to choose the level that is best suited for them.
“I recommend AP Biology, AP Chemistry or AP Physics for those looking for a challenge,” McLean said. “Easier APs include AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science or AP World History.”
Lily Poorman, a senior at Naples High, has been taking AP classes for four years. She believes there are many advantages to taking these courses.
“I think AP classes make all other classes seem a lot easier to manage,” Poorman said. “Students who take them are more likely to succeed in regular classes.”
Although content and the overall course can be more difficult, Poorman encourages students to not shy away from APs.
“They can seem intimidating at first, but if you find a good study strategy and know how to stay on top of things, they are all manageable,” Poorman said.
