am i ready for AP English?
I am considering taking AP English in my junior year of high school.
Currently, I’m in English Honors with B+ first and second quarter and an A third quarter.
From what the teachers say, I don’t think I can handle it? Not too sure still. Teachers say you will not survive unless you have at least an A average the whole year. That really scares me. The valedictorian two years ago got a C in that class.
However, some people say it is not that bad of a class. Looking online and asking some other people, AP English isn’t too bad. However, the big thing is that I’m already taking two other AP classes, Biology and US History, and I’m not sure if I can handle those.
What are your experiences with this class and would you recommend I take the course next year?
Tagged with: ap classes • ap english • biology • english honors • experiences • second quarter • valedictorian
Filed under: Biology Courses Online
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A class load with 3 AP classes is going to be difficult. I would say to just be ready to work really hard, get study groups together, and don’t be shy about asking for help from the teacher if you need it. A B+ in the first quarter of Honors English isn’t going to automatically sink you in the class. And the valedictorian from two years ago who got a C in that class may just not have a talent for English classes.
At the same time, if you’ve never taken AP classes before, it might be a good idea to start slow (maybe just one or two). My experience with AP classes was that the homework schedule was way above what I expected and it took me a little while to get used to it… but I got through it. AP US History was the one that really got me. It was a major struggle and I learned a new way to study, but it was worth it.
Keep in mind that many colleges will take AP classes as college credits. It saved me almost a whole year’s worth of general ed classes when I started in college. So the more you can take (without falling apart), the better.
Yes, it’s overly tedious; however, the class isn’t hard at all.
If you do the work – actually DO the work – there shouldn’t be any problems.
I’ve had nothing below a 95 this entire year, trust me.
Edit: That isn’t to say I’m not freaking out about the AP exam. UGHHHH!
I think you should take AP English because even if you don’t pass the exam you get a better GPA and it looks good on your transcript. The class itself isn’t that bad my English teach made us write a lot of essays to prepare ourselves for the exam but it wasn’t difficult. YOu just have to do your homework. Anyways good luck on your AP tests!
On the grading part–not necessarily. It is somewhat of an indicator, but not entirely. Your average seems perfectly fine, and I think it’s more of a "you have to be there" kind of thing. However, I would do some research to be sure you know what’s going on, and the level of sophistication you need to reach before the exam (if you choose to take it).
Talk to teachers who currently teach AP English and try to get a feel of the course. Also, College Board (the official AP website) is an excellent resource. Simply put — do your research before you come up with a decision. What I know now, nearly completing the course are things I wish I could have known before hand. (like the actual exam process, etc.)
I think English is the easiest of Advanced Placement courses to be honest (that i’ve got and taken). It also provides a foundation for all of your other classes (especially History). In every AP exam i’ve known, there is some component of writing, but not all though. There is no chapter-to-chapter basis learning, meaning you have a book and learn from the chapters (at least in my class), for one thing which is a benefit to many students.
I would recommend it. It’s a nice class, and it really isn’t a back breaker, in terms of learning. You learn a lot, and you learn to evaluate and to understand literary works from way back in history. About the History and Biology, again, know what you’re getting into. I’m actually in all three now, and it’s a doozie!
It all depends on you. I am taking 3 AP classes and 3 honors classes. Really none of these classes are as hard as people make them out to be. The only thing about AP classes is that the work is tedious and you will only do well if you do the work. In the AP English class at my school, we have read about 19 books this year and have written a crap load of essays. I have gotten A’s in the class and have done well in my other classes as well. The only thing i would warn you about is senioritis. Like i said i had A’s my first semester but i was hit hard when i was accepted into college. I have basically all Bs right now except for a few As which is low standards for me. So basically just ask yourself if you will do all the work ALL year around. If the answer is YES than you will be fine.
Hope this helped but I have AP English test in the morning so have to go.