Advanced Placement classes, also known as AP classes, are the highest level of classes a high school student can take. Managed by College Board, there are numerous courses that are offered at the AP level, ranging from core classes—histories, sciences, maths, and beyond—to more experimental classes, like AP Seminar and AP Research. At Indian Hills, students are able to take AP courses as early as freshman year, though the AP offerings become broader throughout one’s high school career. Whether or not a student takes an AP early in high school is dependent on many other factors, such as their math level and a recommendation from past teachers.
Although AP classes are not as scary as they are projected to be, they can be difficult at times, due to more homework and a more rigorous curriculum. Since students take the AP exams in May, classes move faster than those at the lower levels, and there is a higher chance of falling behind if proper studying isn’t implemented from the get-go. These days, the exams are roughly two or three hours long, consisting of both multiple-choice and free-response tasks. This year, the exams cost $98 each, a daunting but worthwhile cost, since scoring well can result in the retrieval of college credit, allowing students to skip introductory college classes.
In the RIH district, many students choose to take the offered AP classes and their subsequent exams. However, contentions have arisen regarding which ones are the best, or at least the most valuable, to take. Senior Tristan Casella is a firm believer that “AP Economics is important to understand economics on a local level, [which is] influential in prices, jobs, etc.” On top of this, Casella states that AP Pre-Calculus is necessary to take because “it helps you understand important mathematical concepts to bridge the gap [between] standard mathematics and calculus.” Steering away from the logical fields, Senior Justin Vitale maintains that “AP Psychology is the most useful because a lot of the curriculum consists of methods of learning, observation, and perception that can be directly applied to everyday life.” While Casella and Vitale have contrasting beliefs, both seniors see their courses as a means of learning life skills that can be applied in the real world, not just in a classroom. Another Indian Hills Senior, Brady Dransfield, believes AP Government is the most worthwhile because “the class gives you an in-depth look [at] how the country runs and why.” Currently taking the class himself, he states, “This year was especially helpful to me because it looked at the recent presidential election from an objective standpoint and allowed us to understand each step of the process. This class is much more than a grade; but a way to stay informed on our own country and how it’s changing.”
An amalgamation of all the other opinions, Senior Luke Festa agrees that AP Government, AP Economics, and AP Psychology all “give you such a more developed understanding of the world around you and help you become such a more informed individual.” While the classes are electives, he still considers them necessary to learn and know, insisting, like his classmates, that they can allow for broadened perspectives and worldviews. Lastly, Senior Ruhaab Shuja claims that AP Calculus is important to take. “It’s a fundamental course for many different fields, particularly in STEM,” she asserts, “and for that reason, it involves a lot of critical thinking and logical reasoning. It can certainly be challenging, but I think that’s what makes it even more rewarding. The AP Language and Culture [classes] are also valuable in my own opinion. Learning a language at that level helps you so much with your ability to communicate effectively and enhance your cognitive abilities, and you also develop a new appreciation for the humanities.”
At Indian Hills, there are various AP courses to approach. While some classes can have stronger perceived benefits than others, it is important to choose AP classes that are not just necessary in the real world but that align with one’s interests. When preparing for the exams, make sure to study adequately and put the effort in from the start, so the exam season seems less overbearing and stressful.
