Prior to taking an AP Class, we would like for you to seriously think about your schedule for next year. Think about your priorities and how you would like your life to unfold next school year. We encourage you to stretch academically, to participate in other activities and to be healthy. Answer the questions below truthfully, talk to teachers, counselors, peers and do some research about what particular colleges want to see. We sincerely encourage you to get all the information that you can and then make the best-informed decision for you.

Why am I considering an AP Class?

The right reasons:

• Love the subject
• Want to learn more about the subject
• I want to go into more depth in this area

The other reasons:

• Looks good on my transcript
• All of my friends are taking it
• I am feeling pressured to take it

How much time do you have to devote to these classes?

• How many hours per day do you work?
• How many hours per day do you participate in extracurricular activities?
• How many hours per week do you spend volunteering?
• How many hours a day do you spend on responsibilities at home?
• How many hours per week are required to do well in AP Courses?

Questions to consider and discuss before taking an AP Class

Before you meet individually with your counselor, be sure that you have seriously considered the following questions and discussed them with your parents. While no one expects that to be overwhelmed by too many commitments, it does tend to happen, even to the best of us.

• Am I taking the course(s) for the right reasons?
• Do I have enough time in the day for all these commitments?
• How committed am I to doing well in this course if it proves a challenge for me?
• Have I considered the cumulative effect of taking multiple honors/AP courses?
• What will happen if this course load is difficult and I cannot change my schedule?
• Would I be willing to adjust hours or give up a job?
• Would I be willing to drop a sport or activity?
• Would I be satisfied with a grade less than a B?

Remember: You may not drop a course until after 1st quarter interims and then ONLY if your request has been approved by the Schedule Change Committee and there is a viable option available. (Starting a new course may not be a possibility and lower level courses may be full.)