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AP Classes Advantages And Disadvantages

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High school is a very hectic time in a teenager’s life. There are multiple different things going on, such as classes to choose, who to be friends with, deciding on colleges and careers, and much more. There are many classes to choose from. Once classes have been chosen, it is now time to pick what level is most beneficial: regular, honors, or Advanced Placement. But be warned, Advanced Placement classes do not benefit US students because they are too rushed and the students are not prepared to take them. It is understood that many parents believe that AP classes can improve their GPA, prepare them for college, and teach them many important skills; such as leadership, determination, and critical thinking. Taking an AP class, even one, can change a student’s GPA. The common misconception is that the courses being taken can improve a one’s GPA. It is indeed true that doing well in an AP course can drastically improve a student’s GPA. The amount of points awarded for having a high grade in the class is much higher than the amount of points for taking the same class at a regular level. An A in a regular class is worth four points, but an A in an AP class is worth 4.08 points. Those .08 points can add up quickly if a student is taking more than one AP course. While doing well in an AP course is rewarded handsomely, doing poorly in an AP course can have a negative impact on a student’s GPA. As stated above, the .08 that comes with the course can add up, what with multiple classes

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