By investing $127.00 USD on a single AP exam, you can save up to $1,800 USD on three credits of a college course in the United States. 

Imagine taking 5 of these exams and saving $9,000.00 USD ($43,870,410.00 COP). Or taking 10 and saving $18,000.00 USD ($86,000,000.00 COP). Students all around the world are currently taking AP Classes with the hope that their efforts will turn into college credit and boost their college applications. In TCS, many HS students also take on the challenge, and numerous graduates have benefited from taking the exams. 

Apart from having a scary name, “Advanced Placement” classes offer standardized coursework equivalent to taking a college class. These courses challenge those who feel normal classes do not offer enough rigor, and give students the chance to evade the boredom of classes like Freshman Comp and Intro to World History. 

“I started with Pre-AP in 9th grade, and from then on have taken at least 3 AP’s every year. I have grown so much intellectually and personally. I feel like every student would benefit from taking at least one of these classes,” María Correa, Grade 11, said. 

Pros

Do the gains outweigh the sacrifices? Students highlighted four main pros they found in taking Advanced Placement Courses. Getting college credit, choosing classes catered to their likes, standing out in college admissions, and learning about study habits; four main reasons why students choose to partake in classes. 

Gaining college credit

These exams are scored on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest possible grade. To receive full college credit for the course, a student must score at least a 3 or higher on the exam. Different colleges and universities may have varying requirements and recognize different AP courses, with some institutions requiring a minimum score of 4 on a specific exam. The exams cover all the material taught during the course and are set up differently depending on the class taken.

“I took the AP Human Geography exam last year and got a 5, the highest score. I hope that I can use this as college credit and skip a possible Political, Economic, or Social Geography class,” Emiliana Gomez, Grade 11, said. 

“I hope that with my AP Computer Science Principles exam, I can skip an introductory Computer Science course in college. This would relieve me of so much coursework in the first semester!” Mariana Mesa, Grade 11, said. 

Choosing classes you like

Although some students complain about the number of AP courses offered, others are happy that they can finally learn harder concepts in topics they love and wish to develop. A person passionate about Geography can take the AP Human Geography course, while somebody wanting to become a computer scientist can take AP Computer Science Principles or AP Computer Science A.

“I love both art and English, and the AP Classes and exams have helped me push myself to the limit while working systematically. The AP Art exam requires you to make a portfolio of your artwork with a theme, while the AP Lang exam is made up of multiple choice questions and 3 essays,” Valeria Munera, Grade 11, said. 

“I am thriving in AP Calculus. Although it is way more fast-paced than a normal class, for the first time I feel like I am learning something and seeing my progress in the weekly exams,” Paulina Moreno, Grade 11, said.

Stand out in college admissions

According to professional college counselor Wendy Raisbeck, colleges are looking for students who challenge themselves with their courses in HS, and if schools offer the AP program it is preferable to follow it. For admissions officers, it looks better to have taken a challenging class even if one doesn’t get grades as high as one would have gotten in a normal class. As such, taking an AP class can boost a college application and leave one prepared for college. 

“I am taking AP Calculus, Ap Literature, and AP Computer Science. Last year I took AP Spanish, AP Language and Composition, and AP Human Geography. I take these classes not only because they interest me, but because they will boost my application and help me get into the colleges I want,” Geronimo Botero, Grade 11, said. 

“I think everyone should take AP Lang, Calc, and Human. They have different dynamics and topics but cover bases every student should have, and the teachers are lovely,” Amalia Sierra, Grade 11, said. 

Improve your study habits

Students have to learn to manage their time and workload if they choose to take various APs. Many mention how the responsibility gained in a normal course does not measure the one gained in an AP course. Students have to get used to weekly exams, home notetaking, timed essays, and weekly homework. Lagging behind even for a few days can have major negative repercussions for those taking the class. 

“I think about my college future, and I imagine my schedule being full of AP-style classes, not just the two I am taking this year. My study habits have gotten so much better this past year and last year when studying for the exam,” Senior Valentina Garces said.  

“I create flashcards for every AP Lit vocabulary exam, and by keeping them I remember things from the initial units and stay on top of all material. I now have personalized study habits that I can apply in every class,” Ana Sofia Correa, Grade 11, said.

Let’s review

AP classes bring many benefits that for many, override the increased workload and stress-filled study afternoons. Students in TCS recommend taking the classes if only to test themselves and their limits. 

“I’m glad that I am graduating with all of the APs that I took, and I feel more prepared for what is to come in university. I endorse all students to challenge themselves and take the courses: you have nothing to lose and everything to gain,” Senior Helena Hoyos said.