Oct.3.2017

The AP curriculum has been in place since the end of WW2 and since then it has challenged students with college level courses and a chance to earn college credit from an annual final test at the end of each school year. High schools such as our own have used this program to match the rigor of college courses and prepare students for the future. However one question still remains, what do students think of the curriculum?

A common complaint is the amount of studying on must accomplish when participating in the class.   When asked what is the most difficult part about being an AP student Lauren Judd said, “The constant studying and managing to learn [everything] before the AP Test.” It gets increasingly difficult when the days of the AP Test come around. Although it is completely optional those who have chosen to take on such a task must review for this beast with all of the notes previously taken throughout the year.

However the advantages to these courses seem to outweigh the disadvantages. If one manages to pass the AP Test with a 3 or higher there is the potential to use the credits as college credits. Most students said that they would use any college credit accumulated from their test results.

AP is indeed a rigorous program and is not recommended for everyone. Brendan Ayers said, “It’s a better fit for people who gain knowledge quicker.” With the large amounts of studying in order to remain successful as well as the cramming for the AP test at the end of the year the results can and will be worth it.