Pre-AP and AP classes prepare students for college courses where the subjects go more in depth. Students receive high school credit while taking these college level courses, and after taking an AP exam, they have the possibility of receiving college credit.

“The type of instructions that are going to be in [the] courses are going to be hard and you are going to have more discussion,” counselor Shaily Mosby said. “You are gonna go more in depth and you are going to learn more information.”

When students take AP courses they have both a weighted GPA which includes the AP and Pre-AP classes, and an unweighted GPA which includes the regular classes.

“The computer calculates your GPA; it’s going take up math, science, social studies, English or language, and academic decathlon,” Mosby said. “Out of those classes, if they are Pre-AP or AP, they are worth more grade points.”

Other than the GPA benefit of AP classes, many students like the idea of being challenged.

“[I’m currently taking] English and science Pre-AP and AP world history,” sophomore Macy Kunke said. “They challenge me in a way regular classes can’t. By being surrounded by other intellectual peers, I get to see many different points of view and it helps my GPA so I can go to college.”

Students new to AP classes often need time to adjust to the new environment.

“I think sometimes [the biggest challenge for students is] if you’re just used to taking multiple choice tests, reading the textbook and memorizing the information,” Mosby said. “Of course it’s going to be harder because these are courses that are designed to help you as you transition to college.”

Instead of regurgitating facts, students dive deeper into the information, think critically and analyze different situations and information.

“Students will be learning to learn the information…it’s not like you learn it [and] then forget about it, you are actually in high school learning to integrate that information,” Mosby said.

Students who take AP courses learn how to study more effectively and develop higher thinking skills.

“Students in my AP class are expected to be able to work independently and with great depth of thought,” English teacher Christine Archbold said. “The ability to manage their study time effectively and meet deadlines is a must.”

While some students take AP courses in the fall, they should still receive study guides and materials to help review for the spring AP exams.