Deciding whether to take advanced placement (AP) classes will be a tough decision but it’s only the first step. 

Now come planning and logistics.

In this article, you will learn quick tips and best practices for thinking about AP classes in a way that meets you at your current level without incurring undue stress.

Tip #1: Start with 1-2 AP classes your first year

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It is generally good practice to start your first year with one or two AP classes then increase that number in later years once you become more comfortable with the difficulty and time commitment.

Doing so will give you the opportunity to dip your toes in the water and expose yourself to a college-level class without overwhelming yourself.

Remember, the point of AP classes is to teach you valuable skills applicable to college and push you out of your comfort zone, not to bury you with the material.

Tip #2: Start with a subject you like or are strong in

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Now you know how many AP classes to take during your first year, but which one(s) should you start with?

You can increase your odds of success and having a positive experience by choosing a subject you like, are strong in, or have the necessary preparation for (more on this in the next point).

Tip #3: Consider your college plans

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AP classes serve as mini-simulations of what your college life will probably look like in a couple of years and can help you assess whether that reality matches your expectations.

Tip: Take AP classes that are directly related to your anticipated major then branch off to similar subjects.

For example, if interested in engineering, consider taking AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Chemistry, and/or AP Biology.

Here are some important questions to consider:

• Do I have a general idea of what I want to study in college?
• What career interests am I considering right now?
• Is there an AP class that can help me improve a skill that is applicable to college (academic writing)?

Tip #4: Take the regular or honors version first

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You can further increase your success rate by taking college preparatory (CP) or honors classes the year before the AP version.

Here are some examples:

• Biology H or CP → AP Biology
• Chemistry H or CP → AP Chemistry
• Physics H or CP → AP Physics 1 → AP Physics 2
• Calculus 1 or 1H → AP Calculus AB → AP Calculus BC
• Calculus 1 or 1H → AP Physics C (Part 1) → AP Physics C (Part 2)

This will give you the foundational skills and background knowledge to succeed in that AP class when the time comes and reduces the likelihood of you falling behind in the class.

Tip #5: Avoid gaps in time between same-subject classes

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If you’re taking the regular/honors version first, you can maximize your success in the eventual AP class by enrolling in them over consecutive years.

Consider this hypothetical example:

Assume you’re a freshman in honors trigonometry and will take pre-calculus next year as a sophomore so you can take AP Calculus AB. The only problem is you can’t decide whether to take it during your junior or senior year.

Which year would you choose?

The optimal approach would be taking AP Calculus as a junior because it avoids the need to relearn the (prerequisite) material before the start of the class since it would still be fresh in your mind.

Note: Even if you take these classes back-to-back, you still need to review the material. The only difference is you’re not relearning it due to a year or so hiatus.

Planning classes this way may be particularly beneficial to students who are taking an AP class in a subject outside their comfort zone or core competency.

Tip #6: Utilize word-of-mouth

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One of the best resources is other people at your high school, which include your friends, peers, former students, upperclassmen, and the teachers themselves.

However, take word-of-mouth with a grain of salt because all students come with different backgrounds and motivations so their feedback will always skew to those biases (just get a general consensus).

Here are some important questions to consider:

1. What were most students’ experiences in the class (ex: teacher’s personality or grading)?
2. Does the instructor’s teaching philosophy match your learning style (structured vs hands-off)?
3. What is the pass rate in the class versus the AP exam?
4. How does the class’ pass rate on the AP exam compare to the national pass rate?

Tip #7: Do the “Late Night Test”

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It’s important that you are completely honest with yourself about what you are willing to do because every AP class will be a major commitment and there is little room for error.

With this in mind, I developed the “Late Night Test” to help students decide whether they have the motivation and willingness to succeed in an AP class.

Imagine this, you’re exhausted after a long day at school but realize you have an assignment due the next morning (or test/project due the following week). You look at your clock and it’s also late at night.

Pause.

Now ask yourself these simple questions: 

• Which subject would I be willing to make this sacrifice for?
• Which subject would be interesting enough or least painful to get through?
• Which subject is worth your time?

Once you do, you will have your answers.

Students often overestimate what they are able or willing to do and these questions bypass these self-serving biases we all hold about ourselves. 

Some students may end up realizing that AP classes are not for them, they are not ready for this commitment right now, or it would be best to take fewer APs than planned.

Either way, good for you since you’re becoming more realistic about your situation and expectations!