Advanced Placement Classes

Renille · 07-06-2002, 02:45 PM

These are the high school college credit classes more commonly called "A.P" In my school, people talk about these in awe and fear. My parents are making me take one of these classes (History) as a sophomore next year. I wanted to know from people with experiences in these types of classes...what should I expect? Are they really impossible? Should I drop out now? And etc...

Please help. September is getting closer, and I'm scared already. Thanks!

***Ben*** · 07-06-2002, 07:00 PM

I'm also taking my first AP course next year (US History II). If you're a good student, I wouldn't be too worried. Hehe, my high school has the highest number of AP courses offered in the entire state

, so students around here jump at the chance to take more.

mirrille · 07-06-2002, 09:02 PM

I took AP Calc AB, English (Lit), Chem, and Biology.
I think it's done differently in different places. I don't find it's that much harder, but you are training towards the big exam at the end. There's just slightly more material.
I suspect that what makes the difference is the teacher. If your teacher is good and knows how to plan out the course, then you should be fine. Good luck!

Starr Polish · 07-07-2002, 03:21 PM

To my understanding, AP (advanced placement) is a college course taught during high school. I'm taking AP bio next year (as a junior). They're supposed to be paced like a college class.

My school only offers 2 AP classes, both in science, so it is impossible to take an AP class before junior year. Advanced science students are required to take biology, then chemistry, and the average science student is required to take IPS, then biology, leaving no options for AP classes the first two years of high school.

emplynx · 07-07-2002, 05:13 PM

I am going be taking AP Chem and Calc this year, but I won't be able to take AP History until the next year (senior year) because of scheduling conflict....

Shadowfax · 07-07-2002, 05:22 PM

In September I will be taking an Honours English 11 course at my school, in order to "prepare" me and fellow students for the AP English course in grade 12. I am looking forward to it. Don't be too scared; I'm sure if you are a good student you will do well. Self-motivation is also a beneficial trait, I have heard.

mirrille · 07-07-2002, 09:54 PM

Wow! You guys are such a studious bunch!
My AP courses were somewhat different because I took them at a Canadian school even though these are US-based courses. Obviously, history wasn't offered, but sciences and English were. I got some credits that would have transferred to my Canadian Uni, but took all the first year stuff over anyways. I'm glad I did.
Are you people planning to skip the first year courses, or just take those APs for enrichment to make first year easier?
My biology AP course was just taking regular biology and studying the extra AP stuff on the side and I did fine. So don't worry. If we could do it that way, you are going to rock the exam, since you have actual classes and teachers who are used to the curriculum to prepare you.

Khadrane · 07-07-2002, 11:37 PM

They don't have AP classes at my school. Bummer.

Andúril · 07-08-2002, 04:02 AM

I was going to start a thread about studies, but I might as well continue from here.

Staying on topic, I should say that I never took any AP or A-level classes during school, reason being that I am a right lazy bugger. As a entry requirement for my IT Diploma, I needed to do well in mathematics, so I studied and got an A. I couldn't care less about the other subjects, so I ended up with C's and D's for those.

During high school I had no idea what I wanted to do. Those who don't have a clue about their future go into IT. Therefore, I decided to pursue a career in IT.

However, after about 8 months I left. I didn't like programming, quantitative statistics, or any of the other modules.

Then I did an MCSE. Here in SA, the market is absolutely flooded with MCSEs, but I did it anyway, and I got a job as a network adminstrator.

Then I decided that in order to earn more money, I should get a BCom degree, and go into IT management. I started a BCom:Management degree on a part-time basis, but then I found that to be waaaay boring, and stopped (although I have completed some first-level modules).

Around feb/march this year, I came to the point where I felt I had to make the decision: either take part in existence (live the rest of my life), or pull the plug. I managed to avoid the decision (survival instinct, whatever....), until june.

Now I have decided exactly how my life is going to go (provided I don't die in a car accident, or become vegatised, or something...)

I have enrolled in a General BA degree, with it's curriculum heavily skewed towards philosophy. Once I have completed this degree, I will do my Honours and Masters degrees and obtain an additional qualification in Theology.

After this I will obtain the Ph.D, and together with my studies in Hebrew and Greek (and possibly Aramaic), will undertake indepth studies into the history/theology of the Bible.

I will become a biblical scholar, and write books. These books may be used as references for other students/scholars/interested people.

Then, at the end of it all, I will die.

In the meantime, parallel to my BA I intend doing a Project Management course to add to my MCSE and beef up my salary.

My question: What are your academic plans for the future??

BeardofPants · 07-08-2002, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Anduril
My question: What are your academic plans for the future??

I have my BA, and I was doing my masters, but it didn't work out for me. I still want to do it, but I want to factor in some science first before I move on. So I'm gonna do a post-grad dip in science (next year), specialising in GIS mapping, and then pursue my masters overseas (as the anthro course at Auckland Uni is focussed heavily on... duh... NZ Archaeology.)

Regarding AP classes, we don't have them in NZ. Which is a bummer, cos it would have been cool to work for some extra credit prior to uni. However, I was in the "brainy" class - does that count?

Renille · 07-08-2002, 11:53 AM

All my academic goals seem to focus on starting (and finishing) another 4.0 year at the moment. This may be hard...I'm taking (along with AP history) Chemistry, anatomy, geometry, accelerated english and Algebra 2. The 3 easiest classes are Concert Choir, a freshman computer class I didn't have schedule room for last year, and PE. I should be okay. Thanks for support, you guys.

As far as long term goals, I plan to go to college later and get a degree in Biology. I will then proceed to Medical school where I'll work really hard to graduate and become a doctor specializing in Emergency Medicine! Fun.

My school offers lots of AP classes. There's Bio, history, government, comparitive government, english, psychology, Calculus AB and BC. That's it, I think. I want to take them ALL!

emplynx · 07-08-2002, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mirrille

Are you people planning to skip the first year courses, or just take those APs for enrichment to make first year easier?

I am planning on skipping all the classes in college that I can!!

Anyway: My goals:
I want to get a PhD in computer engineering, I would like to start out at a good CompEng school like Virginia Tech (only an hour down the road...), but my parents want me to go to a christian school (Maybe Grove City College in Pennsylvania...)
Then I would like to go to MIT to pursue a PhD, but hopefully I will invent something cool along the way so I can drop out and become a millionare (Gates did it, why can't I?)

Starr Polish · 07-08-2002, 01:45 PM

I'll probably use the AP class to get myself geared up for college (though I'm only going to be a junior this year). I'm contemplating taking AP chemistry, since I did get an A in the normal one, but I HATE chemistry. I may not take a science or math class my last year of high school. I want to be a journalist.

I plan on going to a state college, probably the University of Iowa. Major in journalism, minor in photography, maybe veer into photojournalism.

Yeah, I like taking risks. I used to want to major in performing arts...

07-06-2002, 02:45 PM	#1
Renille Elven Lady of Speed-posting Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the cheese state Posts: 988	Advanced Placement Classes These are the high school college credit classes more commonly called "A.P" In my school, people talk about these in awe and fear. My parents are making me take one of these classes (History) as a sophomore next year. I wanted to know from people with experiences in these types of classes...what should I expect? Are they really impossible? Should I drop out now? And etc... Please help. September is getting closer, and I'm scared already. Thanks! __________________ Oh the thinks you can think! Think and wonder and dream...far and wide as you dare! When your thinks have run dry, in the blink of an eye, there's another world there... (from Seussical the Musical. Listen to it...watch it...really.)

07-06-2002, 07:00 PM	#2
*Ben* Retired Ent Join Date: Sep 1999 Posts: 60,631	I'm also taking my first AP course next year (US History II). If you're a good student, I wouldn't be too worried. Hehe, my high school has the highest number of AP courses offered in the entire state , so students around here jump at the chance to take more. __________________ ---Ben formerly known in the forums as bmilder Owner of The Tolkien Trail and Entmoot. Buy Entmoot shirts and mugs!

07-07-2002, 03:21 PM	#4
Starr Polish Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Slow down and I sail on the river, slow down and I walk to the hill Posts: 2,389	To my understanding, AP (advanced placement) is a college course taught during high school. I'm taking AP bio next year (as a junior). They're supposed to be paced like a college class. My school only offers 2 AP classes, both in science, so it is impossible to take an AP class before junior year. Advanced science students are required to take biology, then chemistry, and the average science student is required to take IPS, then biology, leaving no options for AP classes the first two years of high school. __________________ “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.” –Bertrand Russell

07-07-2002, 05:22 PM	#6
Shadowfax The Fleet-Footed Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: British Columbia Posts: 913	In September I will be taking an Honours English 11 course at my school, in order to "prepare" me and fellow students for the AP English course in grade 12. I am looking forward to it. Don't be too scared; I'm sure if you are a good student you will do well. Self-motivation is also a beneficial trait, I have heard. __________________ Jesus saved me "To remain ignorant of things that happened before you were born is to remain a child" (Cicero, 106-43 B.C.) "Art is a lie which makes us realize the truth" (Picasso)

07-07-2002, 11:37 PM	#8
Khadrane Elf Lord Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Middle Earth (I wish) Posts: 670	They don't have AP classes at my school. Bummer. __________________ Few know whither their road will take them till they come to its end. -Legolas FRODO LIVES! ABORTION IS HOMICIDE

07-06-2002, 09:02 PM	#3
mirrille Elven Warrior Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Canada Posts: 479	I took AP Calc AB, English (Lit), Chem, and Biology. I think it's done differently in different places. I don't find it's that much harder, but you are training towards the big exam at the end. There's just slightly more material. I suspect that what makes the difference is the teacher. If your teacher is good and knows how to plan out the course, then you should be fine. Good luck!

07-07-2002, 05:13 PM	#5
emplynx Self-Appointed Lord of the Free Peoples of the General Messages Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,214	I am going be taking AP Chem and Calc this year, but I won't be able to take AP History until the next year (senior year) because of scheduling conflict....

07-07-2002, 09:54 PM	#7
mirrille Elven Warrior Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Canada Posts: 479	Wow! You guys are such a studious bunch! My AP courses were somewhat different because I took them at a Canadian school even though these are US-based courses. Obviously, history wasn't offered, but sciences and English were. I got some credits that would have transferred to my Canadian Uni, but took all the first year stuff over anyways. I'm glad I did. Are you people planning to skip the first year courses, or just take those APs for enrichment to make first year easier? My biology AP course was just taking regular biology and studying the extra AP stuff on the side and I did fine. So don't worry. If we could do it that way, you are going to rock the exam, since you have actual classes and teachers who are used to the curriculum to prepare you.

07-08-2002, 04:02 AM	#9
Andúril The Original Corruptor Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,881	I was going to start a thread about studies, but I might as well continue from here. Staying on topic, I should say that I never took any AP or A-level classes during school, reason being that I am a right lazy bugger. As a entry requirement for my IT Diploma, I needed to do well in mathematics, so I studied and got an A. I couldn't care less about the other subjects, so I ended up with C's and D's for those. During high school I had no idea what I wanted to do. Those who don't have a clue about their future go into IT. Therefore, I decided to pursue a career in IT. However, after about 8 months I left. I didn't like programming, quantitative statistics, or any of the other modules. Then I did an MCSE. Here in SA, the market is absolutely flooded with MCSEs, but I did it anyway, and I got a job as a network adminstrator. Then I decided that in order to earn more money, I should get a BCom degree, and go into IT management. I started a BCom:Management degree on a part-time basis, but then I found that to be waaaay boring, and stopped (although I have completed some first-level modules). Around feb/march this year, I came to the point where I felt I had to make the decision: either take part in existence (live the rest of my life), or pull the plug. I managed to avoid the decision (survival instinct, whatever....), until june. Now I have decided exactly how my life is going to go (provided I don't die in a car accident, or become vegatised, or something...) I have enrolled in a General BA degree, with it's curriculum heavily skewed towards philosophy. Once I have completed this degree, I will do my Honours and Masters degrees and obtain an additional qualification in Theology. After this I will obtain the Ph.D, and together with my studies in Hebrew and Greek (and possibly Aramaic), will undertake indepth studies into the history/theology of the Bible. I will become a biblical scholar, and write books. These books may be used as references for other students/scholars/interested people. Then, at the end of it all, I will die. In the meantime, parallel to my BA I intend doing a Project Management course to add to my MCSE and beef up my salary. My question: What are your academic plans for the future??

07-08-2002, 11:53 AM	#11
Renille Elven Lady of Speed-posting Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the cheese state Posts: 988	All my academic goals seem to focus on starting (and finishing) another 4.0 year at the moment. This may be hard...I'm taking (along with AP history) Chemistry, anatomy, geometry, accelerated english and Algebra 2. The 3 easiest classes are Concert Choir, a freshman computer class I didn't have schedule room for last year, and PE. I should be okay. Thanks for support, you guys. As far as long term goals, I plan to go to college later and get a degree in Biology. I will then proceed to Medical school where I'll work really hard to graduate and become a doctor specializing in Emergency Medicine! Fun. My school offers lots of AP classes. There's Bio, history, government, comparitive government, english, psychology, Calculus AB and BC. That's it, I think. I want to take them ALL! __________________ Oh the thinks you can think! Think and wonder and dream...far and wide as you dare! When your thinks have run dry, in the blink of an eye, there's another world there... (from Seussical the Musical. Listen to it...watch it...really.)

07-08-2002, 01:45 PM	#13
Starr Polish Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Slow down and I sail on the river, slow down and I walk to the hill Posts: 2,389	I'll probably use the AP class to get myself geared up for college (though I'm only going to be a junior this year). I'm contemplating taking AP chemistry, since I did get an A in the normal one, but I HATE chemistry. I may not take a science or math class my last year of high school. I want to be a journalist. I plan on going to a state college, probably the University of Iowa. Major in journalism, minor in photography, maybe veer into photojournalism. Yeah, I like taking risks. I used to want to major in performing arts... __________________ “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.” –Bertrand Russell

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