Caption: Students in the AP Psychology class use the AP online classroom for some of their assignments. [by Omna Pande]
by Eric Zhang (Warrior Post Reporter / São Paulo, Brazil)
At the beginning of the year, 10th through 12th grade students are given the choice of taking an Advanced Placement (AP) course or to take the normal course in that same subject. This choice affects their entire school year and their GPA as students are advised to consider the challenges before taking an AP course.
Taking an AP course at the Pan American Christian Academy (PACA) is an excellent way for students to prepare for college. By enrolling in one of their AP classes, students are exposed to a rigorous curriculum that is designed to mimic the content and expectations of a college-level course. This experience can help them develop study habits, critical thinking skills, and knowledge that will be beneficial beyond high school.
Students also need to keep in mind that an AP class also comes with some additional steps in registering for their classes at the beginning of the year, unlike the normal courses.
“Students will be required to apply to be considered for an Advanced Placement class,” said Brian Zuercher, who teaches AP chemistry.
When these students are accepted into the AP program, they receive a unique opportunity to boost their grades. According to Zuercher, students who attain an average of 70 or above will receive a 1.0 increase in their final grade point for that course. The reason for this is because of the increased course requirements and difficulty level in AP courses.
At PACA, students have the opportunity to challenge themselves with six different AP classes, including AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Psychology, AP US History, and AP English Literature.
“Curricular requirements for AP chemistry include 16 student-directed, inquiry-based lab experiences,” said Zuercher. “Students are given the opportunity to design experiments, collect data, and apply mathematical methods.”
PACA also offers AP biology taught by Susie Zuercher. According to the College Board, students will learn how to design experiments and procedures to test a prediction or theory, collect and analyze data, interpret data to draw conclusions and develop and support a scientific claim with evidence. The AP teacher at each school is able to use as much of the material offered by College Board to help their students master the AP class and to be prepared for the AP exam offered in May of that school year.
AP exam dates for various subjects are listed on the AP Central website with a timeline to help students and educators prepare accordingly (LINK HERE).
Despite the many benefits that can be gained from taking an AP course, there are students who, despite these advantages, may choose to take the normal level of the course instead of the AP level.
For Junior Omna Pande, she only had room for one AP class from among the year’s offerings.
“I took AP Psychology instead of AP Chemistry because I was more interested in Psychology,” said Pande. “I wanted to do Chemistry as well but because of the schedule I couldn’t.”
According to Mindy Swisher, the school’s AP Psychology teacher and guidance counselor, students also have an alternative to do Honor courses in coordination with the teachers of their non-AP classes.
“I always recommend Honors courses,” said Swisher. “That way, they still have a higher level of study that earns them a GPA boost if done well. Plus, it also adds to the student’s transcript quality.”
Although PACA is a small school, it surprisingly offers a diverse selection of AP classes to choose from. However, there are still over 30 different AP courses available on the website which are available for anyone who wishes to take an AP exam without taking the class. This leaves room for students who are interested in other APs to do a self-study course in that area.
“I encourage students to try self-study. However, I also warn them that it is not as easy as it seems,” said Swisher.
It is evident that AP classes challenge and prepare students for higher education. However, as Swisher once stated, “You are solely responsible for your studies.”
Ultimately, it is up to the students themselves to make the choice to enroll in AP classes and to put in the necessary effort to succeed.
