AP Classes: How to Determine if They're Right for Your Child

Many parents wonder whether an A in a Regents or College Prep class is better than a B in an AP course. As with many things in education, the decision is not a binary yes or no. There is certainly a lot to consider. What are your child’s specific academic needs? What is their level of prior achievement? What are their scholastic interests and strengths? Beyond that, what are their college goals? Though certainly a lot to navigate, having an awareness of the potential benefits of and best strategies for selecting AP courses is key to an informed decision.

Should my child take AP classes?

AP classes are more than just a more rigorous course that offers potential for college credit. These courses are constructed around high standards and are led by teachers who must ultimately demonstrate that their students perform well on the end-of-course exams. Moreover, the AP exam often helps drive content and teaching decisions to make for a better overall course experience for the student, even if it is more challenging. The support and engagement of AP teachers, coupled with the motivation and drive of one’s peers, often encourages higher levels of learning and performance from students.

How to Choose Which AP Courses Your Child Should Take

Of course, it isn’t always sensical to sign up for every advanced-placement course that is offered. The selection of AP courses your child takes should revolve around their academic interests, future college major or career path, and record of prior academic achievement. For a student with little interest in a discipline like physics, for example, it may not be wise to push enrollment in an AP physics course that could ultimately lead to below-average learning outcomes. However, for those on the cusp in terms of their PSAT scores, prior grades, and counselor recommendations, it is often wise to err toward selecting AP courses.