AP prepares students for college

By Brianna Bielak

Editorial Assistant

Advanced Placement (AP) classes are designed to prepare students for college by encouraging them to use higher-level thinking and practice intellectual skills for end-of-year exams.

Students were recognized for their hard work at the Distinguished Scholars Banquet (many of them who had AP courses) at the end of last year.

Student and teacher input is essential for giving ideas on how successful and beneficial AP classes are, or whether or not they help lead a student down a career path based on skill and interest.  

“I think overall, AP classes are very beneficial as they give you an insight into what it may be like in college or in the future. I know for me personally, just being able to test myself beyond just honors classes, AP classes have been able to do that for me,” junior Ralph Mallory said.

AP teachers offer higher-level activities such as Socratic seminars and group work between students to discuss difficult themes and deep analysis by having them put their ideas together to form one agreeable conclusion.

“What I enjoy most about teaching AP is the opportunity to have deeper, more thoughtful discussions with students and push their analytical thinking,” English teacher Ms. Santor said.

Aside from the teacher perspective, AP Students reflect and use their skills to have a more advanced mindset, as well as enjoy the challenge.

“Honestly, I cannot stand being in regular core classes. Honors classes feel easy to me sometimes. So I’m always someone who’s enjoyed the challenge and needs it, especially for that higher-level thinking,” senior Aidan Hernandez said.

Teachers also prep students for future exams, whether they’re the big test at the end of the year AP students take, or course tests and assessments based on the curriculum they teach, using sources like AP Classroom by using previous prompts and tests to practice.

“In AP Lit, we use a combination of multiple choice questions and exposure to all three types of essays before the test to help students adequately prepare,” English teacher Ms. Perez said.

Choosing to take AP courses ultimately expands their skills and knowledge to transition to college after high school, for surviving the next few years as both an adult and student.

“AP is obviously not a regular course, so I think that kind of higher expectation builds responsibility amongst students, and I think that’s definitely great for preparing us for college,” Hernandez said.

As juniors and seniors finish their last years of high school, inspiration is encouraged for others choosing to take AP or go down a similar path.

“I would say just take the risk step outside your comfort zone and overall just never give up on yourself because in the end, you have to go through obstacles in life and that’s how you’re able to become a better person,” Mallory said.