I'm currently taking two Advanced Placement classes and have been for the entire school year. These classes, Biology and United Stated History, are challenging yet provide an opportunity for a more college-like experience. As an average, my grades on the tests are around 70% and I'm okay with that. But is it worth it to take the test for possible college credit?
To earn college credit, you have to score a certain amount on a Scantron test, as well as write a few essays and one Document Based Question (a paper approx. 3 pages with the use of documents provided).
These tests cover the material from the entire course, August to May(?) and they each cost somewhere around 80 or 100 dollars. I'm not sure it's worth the stress and the money if I know I already score poorly on these tests anyway. What if I don't have a clue about the topics for the general essays? Also, with older siblings who have gone through the process, I'm aware of the possibility of earning college credit, and it doesn't seem likely. Another reason for concern is that both of these classes haven't been offered through my school before, which means both the teachers are experiencing these classes for the first time as well. They are both exceptional educators, but they're not exactly certain of the AP tests either.
Perhaps I should focus on something else...maybe a college course through the community college instead.
Are these AP tests worth it? Has anyone gone through the courses and taken the tests? What was your experience with them?
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If you're getting 70% or so on actual practice tests, you're likely to get a 4 or a 5 on the AP test. If you do decide to take the test, buy a review book (either Barrons or Princeton Review). If you are a Junior, it's not a bad idea to take the test because colleges will like it. If you are a Senior, check and see if your particular college even offers credit, because some don't. Over all, it's a cheaper alternative to a college course.
they provide a better future for people so i say take it, it wont hurt
*~*K i M b U r L e E*~*
I didn't have to pay for my exams, because my school district paid for all of them for us. I ended up with 46 credits for about $200 between AP and IB exams.
They look good, and they do prepare you for college... at least your first year. Plus, you can relax a little more in college because you already have some of your general classes taken care of. But if the stress and money doesn't seem worth it, don't do it.
~C
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You have gone beyond expectations enrolling yourself in an AP course. You are regularly attending classes and from what you said spending time taking practice tests. This boils down to a confindence issue inside of yourself. How long till the test? Are you willing to dedicate the time to study for the test? if so, make a schedule and provide yourself dedicated time to download and study old tests. Keep on your teachers to help you, that is what they are there for. And one last thing, be willing to invest money in yourself. The 80 dollars to pay for the test should never be an issue. Not to mention the amount it takes to do the course in college is quite much more, and you have to dedicate another semester of your time to relearn the same stuff. At worst you do not pass the test, and have to retake it in college, oh yeah and out 80 bucks, but you still gain valuble knowledge in order to pass the class in college. This is what will happen even if you dont take the test except for the money issue. At best, you gain valuable knowledge and core credit hours at an accredited university, Saving you some money in the long run that you will need to spend on other classes. I say If you have confidence in yourself, which I believe you do because you are taking upper level classes, taking them seriously, and already seem to be passing, that it would be an injustice to yourself to not give yourself that chance to succeed. Don't have regrets in this life. You can't get that time back. I hope this helps.