The start of the new semester brings course selection to Chamblee High School’s students. There are countless options on what classes to take, especially when it comes to AP classes. AP, or Advanced Placement, is college level classes taken at the high school. They can count as college credit by passing the AP exam at the end of the course. They also provide a GPA boost, which can help students who want to raise their GPA’s. AP classes are on a 5.0 GPA scale which can bring up students weighted GPAs that would normally only be on a 4.0 scale. AP classes are quite rigorous, and it can be difficult for students to set up their schedules for success.When selecting which AP classes to take, some students suggest taking classes that reflect your strengths and interests.
“It’s really important that you’re not just taking a class because… it would look good on resumes; it’s also important to have some interest in it,” said Emily Papirio (‘27). “Your overall grade in the class is something that college admissions really look at.”
Each student takes a different number of AP classes based on availability, age, and personal strengths. For example, there are only two AP classes available freshman year.
“I’m currently taking AP government and AP human [geography],” said Reed Baker (‘28). “I think for a freshman, it’s a pretty good amount [and] I don’t see the workload being too much.”
Barker, along with other freshmen, plan to take AP World History in sophomore year.
“AP World [is] the only thing I have room for or can do, but I’m happy with my choice,” said Vivianne Shoemaker (‘28).
For other students, there are more AP classes available to take, leading them to tackling multiple AP’s.
“[I’m taking] AP German, AP [US History], AP Language, AP Physics, and AP Calculus BC next year,” said Addy Bair (‘27).
Students interested in taking on a large amount of AP classes must be ready to put in the effort to keep up with the work and studying required. Ava Redick (‘26) is currently taking four AP’s along with dual enrollment classes; she recommends taking dual enrollment along with AP classes.
“I’m a dual enrollment student, which I think has many positives,” said Redick. “I can wake up later and be more mentally prepared for the day, which makes me achieve more in my other classes at school.”
It’s important to remember that every student has different strengths, abilities, and interests. While taking multiple AP classes may be right for some, taking none can be the right move for others.
“It relies a lot on your self drive,” said Ava Clark (‘27). “Obviously, AP teachers teach you, but there is a lot of self teaching you have to do outside of class. You have to be ready to do that.”
