Things to Check Before Deciding to Takean AP Subject
Are you considering taking an AP course? If so, congratulations on your ambition! Advanced Placement (AP) courses offer a fantastic opportunity to explore a subject in depth and develop skills that will serve you well in college and beyond, even if you don’t ace the exam in May.
However, this decision shouldn’t be taken lightly. In my four-plus years of tutoring students in AP history, English, calculus, statistics, and science, I’ve seen many students struggle and give up. Before you commit, here are five essential qualities every AP student should possess:
- A Love for Reading
Unless you’re taking a pure math course, be prepared to spend many hours reading each week. Success in AP subjects like history, geography, and English requires going beyond the assigned materials and seeking out additional resources on your own. The essays on these exams often demand examples and insights that may not be covered in class, so a genuine interest in reading is crucial. - Strong Writing Skills
Nearly every AP course, with the exception of calculus, involves writing answers that go beyond simple responses. For subjects like history and English, you’ll need to construct well-reasoned essays regularly. Being comfortable with this kind of writing is essential to succeed in an AP class. - A Solid Academic Foundation
A B average or higher is generally a good indicator that you’re ready for the challenges of an AP course. Maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA shows that you take your studies seriously, are a self-starter, and likely have the background knowledge necessary to grasp the course material. - A Passion for the Subject
This may be the most important factor of all. Even if you’re an excellent student and avid reader, you’ll struggle in an AP class if you don’t have a genuine interest in the subject. Don’t let others push you into taking an AP course just to pad your college resume. If you don’t enjoy history, don’t sign up for AP U.S. History just because it’s expected. If science isn’t your thing, skip AP Biology. Choose courses that genuinely excite you, and you’ll be much more likely to succeed.
If these qualities resonate with you, then go ahead and sign up for that AP course! You’ll likely find it a challenging but rewarding experience.
