According to US News and World Report, 69 percent of students at Reedy high school participated in advanced placement (AP) classes. But what should students consider before signing up for these classes? When building school schedules it is important to consider these differences to ensure one makes the schedule that is most beneficial to themselves.
For incoming students, it may be difficult to choose between the multitude of course offerings and decide whether or not to enroll in advanced classes such as dual credit or AP.
“I think the difference between [advanced and on-level classes] is the workload as well as how the class is taught,” senior Annette Thomas said. “Advanced level classes are usually at a faster pace, and tests or progress checks come regularly.”
While some students report that AP or dual credit classes are more challenging compared to on-level classes, benefits given by these more difficult classes are worth it.
“I wanted to push myself and see what it would be like to take a more difficult course,” senior Aubrey Duddlesten said. “I wanted to get that on my transcripts to show that I’m able to take on a heavier workload for college.”
According to some students, the challenges presented in more advanced classes have not only helped them improve academically but also developed crucial life skills.
“Since I knew nobody who [was in] this class, I had to be more resourceful and open,” Thomas said. “This eliminated my fear of asking questions, which will definitely help me more as the school year goes on.”
The responsibility of the workload aids the transition from highschool into college, according to some students.
“By earning credits early, I was able to lighten my course load,” Reedy highschool alumni Adi Adams said. “so I got more flexibility in my schedule and could focus on my major more”
Additionally, credits earned by completing these courses can help students in college planning.
“There’s a lot more work, but it prepares you for the future,” sophomore Landon Burrell said. “If you do well on your AP test, you can get college credit for it, but another benefit is that you can get [college] for a cheaper price.”
For students considering AP/Dual credit classes, these classes prove to be invaluable to some students at Reedy highschool.
“I was nervous about adjusting to the demands of both high school and college-level classes,” Thomas said. “But I quickly realized how much it was helping me grow.”
