Advanced Placement Courses: Indisposed Option or Opportunity?

Advanced Placement courses - the phrase send shivers down every high school student's spine. But, in reality, what is there to be feared in an Advanced Placement course? With a strong sense of determination and willpower, one can succeed, whether taking the ninety-dollar test or not. Several fallacy's seem to be strung to AP courses, producing a phobia of these advantageous classes. Allow me to censure just a few.

The first and foremost myth regarding Advanced Placement courses which leads students away is one claiming that, "AP classes are not the same as a true college course." In a sense, this rings true; however, after taking an AP course, you will be, without a doubt, a step above the rest. AP courses are as close to a college course as a high school student can get before actually attending college; they will prepare you for "true college courses" unlike any other typical high school course. Not only that, but you will be free of the financial burden of that class while attending college. A perspective student also has a greater chance of acceptance with AP courses on his or her manuscript, for universities and colleges would rather see a challenging schedule with a decent GPA than a comfortable schedule with a 4.0 GPA.

In regards to finance, Advanced Placement, while costing ninety dollars to take the test (without the forty dollar reduction in some cases), can save you from the even more outrageously expensive costs of taking the corresponding course in college. Generally, college freshman English courses cost two-hundred dollars and up per semester, depending upon the school, public or private, etc. Taking AP Language and Composition in high school, if you pass the exam (a very probable objective), exempts you from a college freshman college course. Not only that, but it offers you two semesters to master what a college student must in one.

And, lastly, don't be tricked into thinking you need to be a genius, a valedictorian, at the top of your class to succeed in an Advanced Placement course and pass the exam with a three or higher. Success in an AP course is determined solely by one's willingness to push. This means late nights, many hours of weekend studying (with a group often helps), etc.. I recommend, in order to make the experience more enjoyable, to take courses that strike your interest, that will keep you hungry, or ones that may possibly supplement a future major. Whichever courses you choose, allow yourself to enjoy them, while saving yourself a few hundred or thousand dollars as well. These courses are advantageous, yes, to your college application and experience, so take advantage.