How many AP classes should I take?

Lasseter’s Lab
24 Jul 202207:43
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script discusses the common question regarding the optimal number of AP (Advanced Placement) classes to take in high school to increase college admission chances. The speaker humorously begins by saying 'six,' but clarifies this is a joke. The short answer is to take as many AP classes as a student is comfortable with, while the long answer involves considering various factors such as workload, extracurricular activities, stress levels, and motivation. The speaker emphasizes that college admissions officers value performance in AP classes more than exam scores alone. Using UNC Chapel Hill as an example, the speaker shares that 62% of incoming students submitted AP or IB scores, with an average of 6.6 AP scores per student. The video also touches on the importance of taking a high percentage of available AP classes, managing out-of-class work, and the significance of reading speed. The key takeaway is that the number of AP classes varies for each individual, and students should consider their personal capabilities and circumstances when making decisions about their course load.

Takeaways
  • 📚 The number of AP classes to take is subjective and should be based on your comfort level and ability to perform well in them.
  • 🎓 Admissions officers care more about your performance in AP classes than just the scores you receive on the AP exams.
  • 🏫 If your school offers AP classes, taking them can demonstrate your willingness to challenge yourself, but it's not about the quantity alone.
  • 📈 Students admitted to top colleges often have several AP classes on their transcript, but this is not a strict requirement.
  • 📊 The average number of AP scores submitted by students admitted to UNC Chapel Hill was 6.6, which can serve as a guideline.
  • 📚 The decision to take AP classes should consider your workload, extracurricular activities, stress levels, and mental health.
  • 📈 It's better to excel in a few AP classes and maintain a strong extracurricular presence than to spread yourself too thin.
  • ⏰ Be aware of the AP exam schedule, as some exams may be on the same day, which could lead to a very testing day.
  • 📝 AP classes require a significant amount of out-of-class work, so it's important to manage your time effectively.
  • 📖 Reading speed is crucial for AP classes, as there is a lot of reading involved. If you're a slow reader, consider strategies to improve your speed.
  • 🚀 Ultimately, the decision on how many AP classes to take should align with your personal goals, interests, and the quality of your educational experience.
Q & A

  • What is the short answer to how many AP classes one should take during high school?

    -The short answer is to take as many AP classes as you're comfortable with.

  • What is the main factor to consider when deciding on the number of AP classes to take?

    -The main factor to consider is the balance between the workload, your extracurricular activities, stress levels, mental health, and motivation.

  • Why do college admissions officers care about AP classes?

    -College admissions officers care about AP classes because they are an indicator of a student's willingness to challenge themselves academically, but they care more about the performance in the class rather than the AP exam scores.

  • What is the average number of AP scores submitted by students admitted to UNC Chapel Hill?

    -The average number of AP scores submitted by students admitted to UNC Chapel Hill is 6.6.

  • What does it mean if a majority of students accepted to a college have passing AP test scores on their applications?

    -It means that those students have demonstrated subject level mastery, which is often viewed positively by admissions officers, although it's not the only factor considered.

  • How many AP classes did the speaker take while applying to UNC Chapel Hill as an out-of-state student?

    -The speaker had taken five AP classes with passing scores and was enrolled in four more AP classes during their senior year.

  • What is the significance of the number of AP classes taken by students admitted to Harvard, as mentioned in the script?

    -Admitted Harvard students averaged eight to twelve AP classes, indicating that top-tier universities often look for a significant number of AP courses on a student's transcript.

  • Why is it important to consider the number of AP exams offered by your school when deciding how many to take?

    -If your school offers fewer AP exams and you take all of them, it shows that you are challenging yourself to the maximum extent possible within your school's offerings.

  • What is the recommended approach for students who are slow readers considering taking multiple AP classes?

    -Slow readers should consider ways to increase their reading speed and ensure they can manage the college-level reading and comprehension required for AP classes.

  • How can a student determine the amount of out-of-class work required for AP classes at their school?

    -Students can ask around, inquire with teachers about the workload, and find out about the rigor and the types of assignments in each AP class before signing up.

  • What is the significance of the timing of AP exams and how should it influence a student's decision on which AP classes to take?

    -The timing of AP exams is crucial because some exams may be scheduled on the same day. Students should be aware of this to avoid scheduling conflicts where they have to take multiple exams in one day.

  • Why is it not advisable to take AP classes just for the sake of having them on your transcript?

    -Taking AP classes solely for the transcript may lead to overextension and reduced performance in those classes. It's better to excel in a non-AP class, engage in extracurricular activities, and maintain overall well-being.

Outlines
00:00
🤔 Deciding on AP Classes: Balancing Comfort and College Admissions

The video discusses the common question of how many AP classes one should take during high school. The speaker humorously starts by saying 'six' before clarifying that the answer is subjective and depends on a student's comfort level. The focus is on considering various factors such as workload, extracurricular activities, stress levels, and motivation. It emphasizes that while top colleges do look for AP classes on applications, the quality of performance in those classes is more important than the AP exam scores. The speaker uses UNC Chapel Hill's admission statistics to illustrate the average number of AP scores submitted by incoming students, advising against signing up for too many AP classes at once and to consider the balance between challenge and success in those classes.

05:00
📚 AP Classwork and Reading Speed: Assessing Your Capabilities

The second paragraph delves into the workload associated with AP classes, which are college-level courses and thus require significant out-of-class work. It mentions the common rule of thumb that for every hour spent in class, three hours should be spent studying outside of class. The importance of reading speed is highlighted, as AP classes across various subjects involve extensive reading. The video advises students to inquire about the workload and rigor of specific AP classes at their school before enrolling. It also encourages students to consider their reading capabilities and suggests that improving reading speed with practice can be beneficial. The speaker reminds viewers that the number of AP classes one should take varies by individual and encourages them to make an informed decision based on their personal situation.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡AP Classes
AP Classes, or Advanced Placement classes, are high school courses that are more rigorous and college-level in nature. They are designed to challenge students and can potentially earn them college credit. In the video, the speaker discusses the number of AP classes students should take to enhance their college applications, emphasizing the importance of taking classes in which students can perform well.
💡College Admissions
College admissions is the process through which students apply and are accepted into higher education institutions. The video addresses the common concern among students about how many AP classes they should take to improve their chances of being admitted to their dream colleges. It highlights that while AP classes are considered, the quality of work in these classes is more important than the quantity.
💡Workload
Workload refers to the amount of work or tasks assigned to an individual. In the context of the video, it pertains to the academic tasks and responsibilities students take on when enrolling in AP classes. The speaker advises students to consider their existing workload and other commitments before deciding on the number of AP classes to take.
💡Mental Health
Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual can cope with the stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to society. The video script mentions mental health as a critical factor to consider when choosing AP classes, as the stress and demands of these courses can impact a student's overall well-being.
💡Motivation
Motivation is the drive or desire to achieve a goal. The speaker in the video encourages students to reflect on their motivation for taking AP classes, whether it's for personal interest, parental pressure, or to impress colleges. Understanding one's motivation can help in making a balanced decision about AP class enrollment.
💡AP Scores
AP Scores are the results of the exams taken at the end of AP classes, which can demonstrate a student's mastery of the subject. The video emphasizes that colleges care more about a student's performance in the AP class itself rather than just the exam score. A high AP exam score coupled with a low course grade may not be as beneficial as expected.
💡Class Profile
A class profile is a statistical summary of an incoming college class, including data like average test scores and course rigor. The video uses the class profile of UNC Chapel Hill to illustrate the average number of AP scores submitted by incoming students, providing a benchmark for viewers considering the number of AP classes to take.
💡Subject Level Mastery
Subject level mastery refers to achieving a high score on an AP exam, typically a score of 3, 4, or 5, which signifies a deeper understanding of the subject matter. The video mentions that 83 percent of the AP scores submitted by UNC Chapel Hill's incoming class demonstrated subject level mastery, indicating the importance of not just taking AP classes but also performing well in them.
💡Out-of-Class Work
Out-of-class work includes all academic tasks that students must complete outside of formal class time. AP classes often require significant out-of-class work due to their college-level curriculum. The video script points out that students should be prepared for the extra workload, which can include reading, homework, essays, and projects.
💡Reading Speed
Reading speed is the rate at which a person reads and comprehends written text. The video highlights reading speed as a key factor in managing the workload of AP classes, as these courses often involve extensive reading. Students with slower reading speeds may find it challenging to keep up with the required reading, which can impact their performance in the class.
💡College Board
The College Board is a non-profit organization that administers standardized tests, including the SAT and AP exams. The video mentions the College Board in the context of AP exam scheduling, noting that it publishes a test calendar that students should consider when planning their AP class enrollment to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Highlights

The ideal number of AP classes to take is as many as you're comfortable with.

College admissions officers care more about your performance in AP classes than your AP exam scores.

Students should consider their workload, stress levels, and motivation when choosing AP classes.

Applicants to top colleges usually have a significant number of AP classes.

62% of incoming students at UNC Chapel Hill submitted AP or IB scores, with an average of 6.6 AP scores per student.

83% of those scores demonstrated subject-level mastery (scoring a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP exam).

The number of AP classes taken should reflect the offerings at your school and your ability to perform well in them.

Harvard admitted students averaged 8 to 12 AP classes.

It's important to take a high percentage of available AP classes if aiming for a top-tier university.

Performing well in a non-AP class and excelling in extracurriculars can be more beneficial than struggling with multiple AP classes.

Some schools require students to take the AP exam if the school is paying for it.

The College Board publishes the test calendar for the following school year over a year in advance.

AP classes usually require a significant amount of out-of-class work due to their college-level curriculum.

For every hour spent in class, students should expect to spend three hours outside of class preparing.

Reading speed is a critical factor for success in AP classes due to the volume of reading required.

Slow readers may struggle with the amount of reading in AP classes but can improve with practice.

The number of AP classes a student should take varies based on individual circumstances.

It's essential to consider the balance between AP classes and overall well-being and happiness.

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AP ClassesCollege AdmissionsAcademic BalanceStudent LifeMental HealthCourse SelectionCollege PrepHigh SchoolAP ExamsStudy TipsReading Speed