Honestly, even though you know it’s a college-credit class, you don’t expect to have that much homework. Depending on the class you will have to do different assignments such as reading, writing essays, exercises, etc. Every day you will have homework even if they don’t assign any because you have to read the textbook at your own pace. It’s a pain to complete these assignments, especially if it’s a reading assignment. They are not the same thing you do in an honor class if you are wondering! I think this is because we as students are not used to reading so much about a certain subject. Hint: It’s usually really boring.
2. They will take most, if not all of your time! If you have friends in an AP class, you know how a normal conversation goes. “Hey I have nothing tonight, I was thinking if you want to hangout.” “I really want to go, but I have to read for AP US History, study for a test in AP US History and write three essays for AP English.
3. No Babysitting
The AP teachers will not teach you every single thing you need to know for the exam. You as a student need to stay on top of everything and get help if needed outside of class. For example, if your teacher assigns you to read Chapters7 through 10 of the textbook, he or she is probably not going to go over every single aspect and term of the chapter. It is up to you to take notes, understand the reading and pass the class!
4. Summer homework doesn’t show the class difficulty
If you didn’t know, you will have summer assignments for AP. For example, in AP US History, I had to read the first five chapters and complete an outline for every chapter. If this seems hard for you, don’t take AP!
5. Study buddies are essential for an AP class
Nothing will motivate you more than having a friend who is going through the same thing. A study buddy can help you with assignments and quiz you for upcoming quizzes and tests. With buddies, you can create study groups which are fun and beneficial to your learning experience.
6. You can do it!
At first it can be really hard to adapt to a new class environment. However, the amount of things you learn and satisfaction is worth it. These classes not only can potentially give you college credit, but will give you an advantage when you get to college. There are many varieties of classes available to suit your interest. Good luck next year in your AP classes; you will need it!
- Adrian
Works Cited
Gardner, Steve. "The Life of an Advanced Placement Student." YouTube. N.p., 18 Dec. 2009. Web. 15 Dec. 2015.