AP Classes are Important- Scouts Honor(s)

AP and honors classes are a great way to prepare for the future after high school. Our AP world history teacher, Ms. Amy Braun, says that AP classes “prepare [students] for college”.

Honors classes show colleges that students are pushing themselves, and putting in the extra time. Ms. Braun explains “AP courses are usually comparable to first-year college courses, so you will be prepared for the workload and develop college-level academic skills. In addition,  having AP classes on your transcript will show universities that you have experience with the academic rigor of college classes, which looks good on your college applications.”

Students grades, GPA, and diploma reflect this as well, Ms. Braun lists the benefits, “Because AP classes are more rigorous, they’re often weighted more in a student’s GPA. We give more weight to AP classes, so earning an “A” or “B” in an AP class will bring your GPA up more than an “A” or “B” in a regular class would. In addition, AP classes prepare students for their academic future.

“To save time and money in college – You could earn college credit if you pass the AP exam. AP exams are held every May, and they are graded on a scale of 1 through 5. If you earn a 4 or 5 on your test, it can count toward your college credits. That means you would be able to get ahead on first-year requirements and potentially graduate early, or have room in your schedule to add a second major or minor.”

Besides getting students ahead on the future they can also receive benefits and scholarships for taking these classes and pushing themselves, “To receive merit-based financial aid – As mentioned above, AP classes can help you raise your GPA. Many colleges offer merit-based scholarships and grants for students based on their GPA, so taking an AP class could get you closer to qualifying for these financial aid awards. In addition, many scholarships award funds based on a student’s GPA or specific classes taken.” Ms. Braun describes.

Honors classes are important as well! Our honors algebra one teacher Olivia Braun describes “some reasons students might choose honors level classes”!  Ms. Braun explains ” the skills and responsibilities that students develop when taking and succeeding in these types of classes are significant benefits when they enroll in college or continue their educations beyond high school”.

The things students learn in honors classes are sometimes considered more fun and deeper into the subject. Ms.  Braun says “An honors class is generally going to move faster through curriculum, during a daily class period and then throughout the year as well.  Also, because there would be some time saved, the course material can go a little deeper or sophisticated than perhaps a regular level of a class”.

These classes train students to be harder workers! Ms. Braun says, ” These students produce correct, complete work that is more robust and well-thought out, too.  In addition, honors classes require students to manage their time exceptionally well and be willing to put in any work necessary on their own time to finish incomplete tasks or make-up work. “.

Finally both honors and AP classes have so much value to take, its a good choice to make as a student to enroll! The benefits of these classes are tremendous, Ms. Olivia Braun explains “Working at an elevated pace, expecting to work and progress independently, and diving further into some topics or skills are all beneficial to students who plan specifically to go to college of some kind. “, And Amy Braun explains “Essentially, it will teach them skills like time management, creating an arguments and using evidence to support it, and develop critical thinking skills that are crucial when starting college”. Most importantly every student should thing about taking at least one of these classes and pushing themselves.