NC has a comprehensive AP and honors program. There are 38 College Board AP Subject Exams and NC offers 31 of those subjects. There are over 900 students taking AP classes and there will be over 1500 AP exams taken by NC students in May.
With a wide range of classes and tests to take, some may wonder if they are capable of taking such rigorous courses.
According to AP coordinator Cynthia Hairston, AP classes are not exclusively for the “super smart.” They have challenging, college-level content, but students who have never taken an AP class before are still just as capable as experienced honors students.
These courses ultimately test skill sets such as critical thinking and time management.
Taking AP courses prepares students for education after high school. While it might seem difficult, it is perhaps more beneficial to gain that experience in the more guided environment of high school than in the wave of responsibility and newfound adulthood that comes from attending college.
“I think it has really prepared me for my future, especially for the college I chose to go to,” senior Emery Moore said, “I am grateful for the amount of help on the side because they want you to succeed.”
Students don’t have to overwhelm themselves either. A student can take one AP course or five – whatever works for their schedules and interests.
“It’s nice to have some really awesome teachers who are really good at helping you pass the exams,” senior Amelia Denault said, “It’s really nice going to college with some of those courses already completed so you can focus on your major and the classes you want to take in college.”
Finally, taking an AP test is a “no harm” experience. If a student earns a passing score (three, four or five) they can potentially earn college credit at some schools.
If a student does not pass, their grade in the class itself won’t be impacted, their GPA won’t be harmed and colleges won’t have to see that score.
“I am coming to you today to put out a challenge to all students: Try to take an AP class,” Hariston said, “Don’t be afraid of it. Make sure that you are challenging yourself to get to the next level in education – give yourself some college preparedness. And please understand that nothing is too hard for you and that you cannot grow without a little bit of pain.”