AP, Honors, and Standard: What Class Level Is Best
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On your course list, you might notice that some classes are marked AP, Honors, or Standard. All school systems will have a variation on these three levels, some adding additional levels in between. This article will explore the major differences between these classes, why you should take a certain class level, and how they impact your grade point average.
AP Classes
- AP, or Advanced Placement, is a College Board program that offers classes that are often the most rigorous your school has to offer. They present a chance to earn college credit.
- AP courses culminate in a standardized final exam.
- These exams are spaced out over two weeks in early May. Students pay for these exams. Usually, they’re $94 each, but the price can range to $120 depending on the test type.
- For example, AP Seminar exams are more expensive because they don’t just involve written tests. They involve research projects uploaded to an online portfolio throughout the year.
- You don’t have to take AP tests. However, you do have to take them if you want college credit.
- Exams are graded on a 1 to 5 scale, with 5 being the highest score. A score above a 3 is a passing grade.
- If you pass an AP exam, you might be eligible to place into a higher-level course in a related field in college. This all depends on the college, so check to see if colleges you’re interested in accept AP credits. Aside from skipping entry-level classes, students have even used their AP credits to graduate early from college.
- If your college doesn’t accept AP credits, you don’t have to take the AP test.
- Since these classes are challenging, universities like to see them on your transcript. If you’re planning on getting into a top-tier university, plan your schedule accordingly.
- If you’re less interested in getting into a top university, take AP classes in topics that interest you. They can be a great way to explore your interests and hone your studying and note-taking skills.
- Here is a complete list of AP exams that CollegeBoard offers. This list will differ from the AP course offerings at your school, but if something really interests you, consider talking to a teacher about instituting the course, self-studying, or taking a community college class.
Honors Classes
- While honors classes can be as rigorous as AP classes, they don’t count for college credit.
- However, colleges still like to see these on your transcript. Especially if they’re the hardest classes offered at your school, taking many honors classes shows that you’re making a point to challenge yourself with coursework.
- Some schools have variations on honors classes. For example, you might see “Gifted and Talented” or “Advanced” classes at your school.
Standard Classes
- Standard, or normal classes are the easiest classes your school has to offer.
- Lower-level subjects are often marked standard. Also, requisite classes such as physical education and health might be standard.
- While it might be easy to get straight As in these classes, colleges would rather you get a B in an AP course than an A in a standard course. Again, challenging yourself is important.
Community College Classes
- Many school districts partner with nearby community colleges to offer discounted or free courses for students.
- These courses often allow you to gain college credit.
- Talk to your guidance counselor about dual enrollment opportunities. This often refers to taking community college courses at the same time as school courses.
- This can be an alternative to AP classes. More four-year universities take community college credit than AP credits.
Class Difficulty and QPA
- QPA, or Quality Point Average, not only accounts for your letter grades but the difficulty of classes you take.
- Taking more difficult classes, such as AP and Honors, and attaining high grades in those classes, will help you achieve a higher QPA.
- For example, an B in an AP class and an A in a standard class both have a value of 4.0, denoting the amount of effort expended to achieve that grade.
Which Should You Take?
- Take AP and honors classes to challenge yourself, and to show colleges that you’re challenging yourself.
- However, be aware of your limits. If you can’t take a full schedule of AP or Honors classes, select AP or Honors classes that you’re interested in.
- Ultimately, it’s up to you to strike a balance between coursework and your life. Be sure that you can achieve high grades in whatever level of class you choose.
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Angela Qian
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Senior at Dulaney High school. Editor-in-Chief of Sequel literary arts magazine and Baltimore County student council president.
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