I have some advice for all you high school students...

imported_ · 07-09-2004, 12:46 PM

Take AP classes. Like there's no tommorow. Take as many as possible, in every subject. It's hard work now, but when you get to college, and you're a junior like me right away, you'll be thankful.

Seriously. Never made a better decision in my life.

Anyone here have AP courses at their schools? Or something similar, e.g., IB?

AJ Middleton · 07-09-2004, 12:56 PM

BAD advice, Tik. BAD BAD BAD. *Sounds alert*

Take AP courses if they aren't too much for you. But keep this in mind: not all colleges take those test scores! Take me, for example. I've taken AP and IB EVERYTHING, and all I could do with it was check "I've taken the most difficult classes" on my applications.
(If I got a 5 on AP Calc BC I could have skipped 1st semester Calc, and a 5 on Physics B could have let me skip the first semester of that, too. But a 5? On those nasty exams? Not an easy task.)

Don't blindly take tough classes for the hell of it. An F in AP Lit is not more appealing than an A in straight honors. Also, research schools first and check their policies on AP/IB/etc. classes, exams, and credits.

Of course, I'm not saying DON'T take any. If your program is quality at your school, the workload can be a good prep for what's to come. Also, it puts you in that competitive pool of applicants.

Also, weigh the benefits and disadvantages of skipping years. My friend went to McGill as a sophomore due to his IB credits, and he realized that it just wasn't worth it. Yes, you save money, but you never get your college years back.

[ July 09, 2004, 12:59 PM: Message edited by: Sir Bolt ]

imported_ · 07-09-2004, 01:01 PM

^Yeah, well, all that was implied. You get what I'm saying.

Perrin Aybara · 07-09-2004, 01:06 PM

No, seriously, that's good advice.

AP owns college.

Coming into college with 38 credits did wonders to allow me to do what I wanted instead of worring about general education requirements crap. Was able to tack on a second degree.

Of course if you're smart you'd first make sure that the schools you're interested in accept AP scores before you take them... You have to give people some credit, Bolt.

But generally, taking as many AP classes as you can is a good thing...not a bad thing.

Also, AP classes in high school are ususally a lot easier then their college counterparts. Seriously...High School is a lot easier then college. So you get the same information, but with less stress.

Sure, you can use them to get out of college faster, but if you're smart, you use it as a chance to get more out of college. Getting one degree in 3 years just isn't as cool as getting two degrees in 4 years.

<Extreme Egotistical Brag>I got an easy 5 on the BC Calc test...heh...</Ego>

-jay

imported_ · 07-09-2004, 03:23 PM

^exactly. You've gotta be smart about what you're getting yourself into, but assuming you can take the load, do it. I can dodge pretty much all the gen ed stuff and get straight into my program. I'm probably going to double major. All thanks to AP.

***CaptHayfever*** · 07-09-2004, 03:24 PM

38? Aw, I only have 30 going in.

And remember, "I'm-a Luigi, number one!"

AJ Middleton · 07-09-2004, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tik:
^exactly. You've gotta be smart about what you're getting yourself into, but assuming you can take the load, do it. I can dodge pretty much all the gen ed stuff and get straight into my program. I'm probably going to double major. All thanks to AP.

But see, that's a specific case. Some schools allow that, some don't. It's misleading to say "Take AP classes so you can get credit" even as a general statement, because there's so much fine print. And, perhaps you forgot, but A LOT can be misleading during the college search.

Perrin Aybara · 07-09-2004, 03:43 PM

Dammit Bolt...

Quote:

Originally posted by Perrin Aybara:
Of course if you're smart you'd first make sure that the schools you're interested in accept AP scores before you take them... You have to give people some credit, Bolt.

I already went over that.-jay

Swordmaster Link · 07-09-2004, 04:15 PM

Yeah, I'd only advise taking an AP class if you're confident in your ability to handle it. I took my first AP class this year (AP European History) and I did great on the course, but the exam was probably the hardest test of my life. And I'm taking 3 of them next year (Physics, US History, English Language)

AJ Middleton · 07-09-2004, 04:33 PM

I heard you Jay, but I don't even agree with that. The letters "AP" and "IB" on transcripts with good grades can give you an extra boost during the admissions process. It shouldn't be all about potential credit. And as I said, with the right teacher an AP/IB class can prepare you for college work.

SML, APs (the exams) are ridiculous. They are made to be pains in the you-know-what. IBs, in striking contrast, are completely reasonably and ten times more logical.

Perrin Aybara · 07-09-2004, 04:40 PM

Bolt, you were specifically talking about AP classes in terms of getting credit... Sheesh. So now if you think AP classes are good so that you get that extra boost in admissions, what's the problem? AP = good no matter how you look at it. Of course, it's obvious that it's only good if you can manage to do well in the class, that goes without saying.-jay

AJ Middleton · 07-09-2004, 04:55 PM

Eh?

Anyway, there is no "problem" other than the fact that thousands of seniors every year are misled by incorrect college information. Myths include:

- Taking AP/IB classes will get me in easily.
- AP/IB credit can place me out of classes.
- If I don't fall into the range of SAT scores for a school, I can't get in.
- All colleges work the same way.
- Etc. etc. etc.

In fact, I was at my friend's house yesterday (HS senior in the fall) and I noticed how he had the EVIL "US News: America's Best Colleges" book. I told him to beware because it's misleading. He said he knows that and he's only using it for college info and SAT scores. When I told him that the score ranges were, in fact, one of the reasons the book is deceiving, he didn't believe me. He was like, "If I get a 1300 and the school's range is 1460-1500, I know I won't get in." I debated it with him until his dad came in and confirmed what I said. It sounds silly, but it's really not because tons of intelligent seniors go through it each year.

imported_ · 07-09-2004, 05:16 PM

Um...yeah. Point is, you can get out of crappy general education classes with AP.

Sim Kid · 07-09-2004, 05:27 PM

I can't get into AP classes because I only have a 3.2 G.P.A and don't want to deal with all the self-centered-stuck-up-snobs-who-think-they're-better-than-everybody-else-just-because-they're-in-all-AP-Classes.

imported_ · 07-09-2004, 05:32 PM

Well in my experience the classes aren't full of people like that, but I guess your school could be different.

homer · 07-09-2004, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Digi:
I can't get into AP classes because I only have a 3.2 G.P.A and don't want to deal with all the self-centered-stuck-up-snobs-who-think-they're-better-than-everybody-else-just-because-they're-in-all-AP-Classes.

I'm in all AP classes, and I'm anything but a Prick. Well, I am, But not for that reason. I'm more of a nerd.

AJ Middleton · 07-09-2004, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tik:
Um...yeah. Point is, you can get out of crappy general education classes with AP.

The point is, that's not necessarily true.

Quote:

I can't get into AP classes because I only have a 3.2 G.P.A and don't want to deal with all the self-centered-stuck-up-snobs-who-think-they're-better-than-everybody-else-just-because-they're-in-all-AP-Classes.

That's the second time I've heard of AP kids acting like that. So weird.

imported_ · 07-09-2004, 05:53 PM

Sigh. "Can" as in, it's a possibility. I understand some colleges don't take AP credit.

Perrin Aybara · 07-09-2004, 06:10 PM

Yeah Bolt, we both know that AP credit in college depends on the school... We've all driven the point home more then enough. You don't have to be the AP police.

AP, however, is still very good.-jay

AJ Middleton · 07-09-2004, 06:20 PM

I know I sound aggressive, but it just reflects my "colleging" process. Personally, I faced little trouble, but what I did encounter was all because of stupid misconceptions. Not all of my friends were as fortunate.

07-09-2004, 12:46 PM	#1
imported_ Banned Join Date: Dec 1969 Posts: 0 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Take AP classes. Like there's no tommorow. Take as many as possible, in every subject. It's hard work now, but when you get to college, and you're a junior like me right away, you'll be thankful. Seriously. Never made a better decision in my life. Anyone here have AP courses at their schools? Or something similar, e.g., IB?

07-09-2004, 12:56 PM	#2
AJ Middleton Banned Join Date: Dec 1969 Posts: 0 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	BAD advice, Tik. BAD BAD BAD. Sounds alert Take AP courses if they aren't too much for you. But keep this in mind: not all colleges take those test scores! Take me, for example. I've taken AP and IB EVERYTHING, and all I could do with it was check "I've taken the most difficult classes" on my applications. (If I got a 5 on AP Calc BC I could have skipped 1st semester Calc, and a 5 on Physics B could have let me skip the first semester of that, too. But a 5? On those nasty exams? Not an easy task.) Don't blindly take tough classes for the hell of it. An F in AP Lit is not more appealing than an A in straight honors. Also, research schools first and check their policies on AP/IB/etc. classes, exams, and credits. Of course, I'm not saying DON'T take any. If your program is quality at your school, the workload can be a good prep for what's to come. Also, it puts you in that competitive pool of applicants. Also, weigh the benefits and disadvantages of skipping years. My friend went to McGill as a sophomore due to his IB credits, and he realized that it just wasn't worth it. Yes, you save money, but you never get your college years back. [ July 09, 2004, 12:59 PM: Message edited by: Sir Bolt ]

07-09-2004, 01:01 PM	#3
imported_ Banned Join Date: Dec 1969 Posts: 0 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	^Yeah, well, all that was implied. You get what I'm saying.

07-09-2004, 01:06 PM	#4
Perrin Aybara Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Alone....so terribly alone... Some... where... out... there... dies Gender: Posts: 12,760 Thanks: 194 Thanked 504 Times in 235 Posts	No, seriously, that's good advice. AP owns college. Coming into college with 38 credits did wonders to allow me to do what I wanted instead of worring about general education requirements crap. Was able to tack on a second degree. Of course if you're smart you'd first make sure that the schools you're interested in accept AP scores before you take them... You have to give people some credit, Bolt. But generally, taking as many AP classes as you can is a good thing...not a bad thing. Also, AP classes in high school are ususally a lot easier then their college counterparts. Seriously...High School is a lot easier then college. So you get the same information, but with less stress. Sure, you can use them to get out of college faster, but if you're smart, you use it as a chance to get more out of college. Getting one degree in 3 years just isn't as cool as getting two degrees in 4 years. <Extreme Egotistical Brag>I got an easy 5 on the BC Calc test...heh...</Ego> -jay

07-09-2004, 03:23 PM	#5
imported_ Banned Join Date: Dec 1969 Posts: 0 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	^exactly. You've gotta be smart about what you're getting yourself into, but assuming you can take the load, do it. I can dodge pretty much all the gen ed stuff and get straight into my program. I'm probably going to double major. All thanks to AP.

07-09-2004, 03:24 PM	#6
*CaptHayfever* Smash SuperMod Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: (n) - the place where I am Gender: Posts: 27,661 Thanks: 1,991 Thanked 2,486 Times in 1,513 Posts	38? Aw, I only have 30 going in. And remember, "I'm-a Luigi, number one!"

07-09-2004, 04:15 PM	#9
Swordmaster Link Super Bodyguard & King of the Arcade Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Wherever you want me to be Gender: Posts: 32,132 Thanks: 253 Thanked 951 Times in 640 Posts Blog Entries: 2	Yeah, I'd only advise taking an AP class if you're confident in your ability to handle it. I took my first AP class this year (AP European History) and I did great on the course, but the exam was probably the hardest test of my life. And I'm taking 3 of them next year (Physics, US History, English Language)

07-09-2004, 04:33 PM	#10
AJ Middleton Banned Join Date: Dec 1969 Posts: 0 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I heard you Jay, but I don't even agree with that. The letters "AP" and "IB" on transcripts with good grades can give you an extra boost during the admissions process. It shouldn't be all about potential credit. And as I said, with the right teacher an AP/IB class can prepare you for college work. SML, APs (the exams) are ridiculous. They are made to be pains in the you-know-what. IBs, in striking contrast, are completely reasonably and ten times more logical.

07-09-2004, 04:40 PM	#11
Perrin Aybara Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Alone....so terribly alone... Some... where... out... there... dies Gender: Posts: 12,760 Thanks: 194 Thanked 504 Times in 235 Posts	Bolt, you were specifically talking about AP classes in terms of getting credit... Sheesh. So now if you think AP classes are good so that you get that extra boost in admissions, what's the problem? AP = good no matter how you look at it. Of course, it's obvious that it's only good if you can manage to do well in the class, that goes without saying.-jay

07-09-2004, 04:55 PM	#12
AJ Middleton Banned Join Date: Dec 1969 Posts: 0 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Eh? Anyway, there is no "problem" other than the fact that thousands of seniors every year are misled by incorrect college information. Myths include: - Taking AP/IB classes will get me in easily. - AP/IB credit can place me out of classes. - If I don't fall into the range of SAT scores for a school, I can't get in. - All colleges work the same way. - Etc. etc. etc. In fact, I was at my friend's house yesterday (HS senior in the fall) and I noticed how he had the EVIL "US News: America's Best Colleges" book. I told him to beware because it's misleading. He said he knows that and he's only using it for college info and SAT scores. When I told him that the score ranges were, in fact, one of the reasons the book is deceiving, he didn't believe me. He was like, "If I get a 1300 and the school's range is 1460-1500, I know I won't get in." I debated it with him until his dad came in and confirmed what I said. It sounds silly, but it's really not because tons of intelligent seniors go through it each year.

07-09-2004, 05:16 PM	#13
imported_ Banned Join Date: Dec 1969 Posts: 0 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Um...yeah. Point is, you can get out of crappy general education classes with AP.

07-09-2004, 05:27 PM	#14
Sim Kid Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: The state of Denial Gender: Posts: 8,884 Thanks: 80 Thanked 198 Times in 122 Posts	I can't get into AP classes because I only have a 3.2 G.P.A and don't want to deal with all the self-centered-stuck-up-snobs-who-think-they're-better-than-everybody-else-just-because-they're-in-all-AP-Classes.

07-09-2004, 05:32 PM	#15
imported_ Banned Join Date: Dec 1969 Posts: 0 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well in my experience the classes aren't full of people like that, but I guess your school could be different.

07-09-2004, 05:53 PM	#18
imported_ Banned Join Date: Dec 1969 Posts: 0 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Sigh. "Can" as in, it's a possibility. I understand some colleges don't take AP credit.

07-09-2004, 06:10 PM	#19
Perrin Aybara Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Alone....so terribly alone... Some... where... out... there... dies Gender: Posts: 12,760 Thanks: 194 Thanked 504 Times in 235 Posts	Yeah Bolt, we both know that AP credit in college depends on the school... We've all driven the point home more then enough. You don't have to be the AP police. AP, however, is still very good.-jay

07-09-2004, 06:20 PM	#20
AJ Middleton Banned Join Date: Dec 1969 Posts: 0 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I know I sound aggressive, but it just reflects my "colleging" process. Personally, I faced little trouble, but what I did encounter was all because of stupid misconceptions. Not all of my friends were as fortunate.