College Credit for High Schoolers

 By Keniya B.

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What to Do During Social Distancing

By: Angelina N.

What is social distancing, and why is it important right now? 

Social distancing refers to going out minimally, avoiding physical contact with others, and refraining from large gatherings of people. It is used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The contagiousness of a disease is measured based on the R0

"R Naught Ebola and Flu Diagram" by Kiera Campbell is licensed
under CC BY-SA 4.0

(pronounced “R naught”) value, or the average number of individuals that an infected person transmits the disease to. For diseases exceeding an R0 value of 1, such as COVID-19 (which has an R0 value of about 2.2), the number of infections can multiply rapidly because each infected person will infect more than one other person. In addition, COVID-19 has an incubation period of between two and 14 days, with the average being five days. This means that after contracting the disease, an individual will not exhibit symptoms for an average of five days but will still be contagious during this time frame. Since many infected people do not realize they are infected, they can unintentionally transmit the disease to people that they come into contact with. Actively social distancing is therefore necessary to prevent people from unknowingly infecting those with compromised immune systems or older individuals, who are much more likely to experience severe and possibly fatal symptoms. By taking precautionary measures, the number of infections can be reduced significantly. This also alleviates the burden on hospitals, which may experience a shortage of supplies, equipment, or staff otherwise. 

Although practicing social distancing is beneficial to the community at large, spending most of your time at home may seem like an incredibly difficult and dull adjustment. However, instead of viewing it as a major impediment to social contact and various forms of entertainment, you should view it as an opportunity to accomplish tasks you normally wouldn’t have the time for. Below is a list of ideas of how to spend your period of social distancing in both fun and/or productive ways. 

Find a fun mental stimulus 

Doing a mentally stimulating activity is a great way to combat boredom. 

• Play a board game: Options include Monopoly, chess, Scrabble, etc. — the choices are endless! 
• Go old-fashioned: Try your hand at Sudoku, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, brainteasers, or crafts (online DIY videos are a great source of inspiration). 
• Write a short story or poem: Brainstorm ideas that you could turn into a piece of writing. 
  

Take time for self-care 

Since most events have been cancelled, your schedule is most likely cleared right now. Instead of sinking into boredom, you should see it as a calm refuge from the chaos and incessant hassle of normal life. Now is a great time for you to reflect on your mental and physical health. 

• Practice meditation: Meditation is focusing on being more present and aware in all aspects of daily life through techniques such as mindfulness. It has been scientifically proven to be conducive to both mental and physical health, with some of its benefits being lower blood pressure and stress levels, improved sleep and memory, and a stronger immune system. There are numerous meditation apps that can be downloaded with the press of a button (Waking Up, Headspace, Calm, and many more), so meditation is a practice that can be conveniently incorporated into your daily routine. 
• Self-reflect: Oftentimes, we get so caught up in seemingly endless tasks, whether that be

  

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  schoolwork deadlines or upcoming exams, that life seems like a ceaseless “this, that, this, that” and so on so forth. During social distancing, it may seem like everything has suddenly come to a standstill, which is a chance for you to look back on the past few months and plan for the future. Take some time to reflect on your personal growth and accomplishments, as well as what you are still working towards. Set goals for yourself and determine how you will reach them. Jot these ideas down in a notebook, or type them on your computer for future reference. 
• Do what you enjoy: This last one is simple — spend time doing activities that you love! This may be different for every person; it could be spending more time with family, having a movie night with popcorn, or reading a book that’s been on your to-read list for some time. 
  

Start good habits 

It can be hard to incorporate new habits during most of the year because we are often too occupied to feel motivated to do so. Now is the time to pick up good habits that can have a positive impact throughout the rest of your life. 

• Stay active: Staying at home all day makes it easy to fall into a sedentary routine. However,

  

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  social distancing does not necessarily mean refraining from leaving the house entirely; in fact, it’s a great idea to go outside for a walk or a run in a park or other uncrowded areas during the day. There are also many great at-home workout videos online that provide fun and engaging ways to be active. Learning creative ways to exercise and experiencing the rewards of being physically active may motivate you to include it as a regular part of your routine in the future. 
  
• Eat healthy: A great way to use your spare time is to learn about nutrition and creative healthy recipes. Experiment with various dishes, and determine what works best for you. This may help elevate your consciousness about healthy eating habits in the long-term, which will beneficially impact your life in countless ways. 
  

Do some extra studying 

Since after-school events, most extracurriculars, and transportation time have probably been taken out of your schedule, there is now plenty of extra time to study, even if your face-to-face school is requiring you to attend virtual sessions. 

• Study for AP classes: AP exam season is coming up, which means that it’s a good time to start

  

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  reviewing information from last semester. It is also a good idea to keep up with College Board’s updates on modifications to the AP exams this year. College Board has already posted the changes to every AP course curriculum, along with the general structure of the altered exams. Make sure to check their website to avoid studying material you are no longer responsible for and to be prepared for this year’s test format. 
• Do some SAT and/or ACT practice: Use this time to read some SAT/ACT prep books, as they contain helpful techniques for succeeding on these standardized tests. Once you’ve reviewed these techniques, take a few practice exams; these are lengthy and typically difficult to fit in with other obligations, so now is the perfect time to try them. 

Learn something new 

If you’re still having a hard time deciding what to do, it may be a good idea to try something completely new and possibly discover new interests in the process. Ideas include learning some magic tricks, trying out calligraphy, or learning a new language through Duolingo. If you’re still having a hard time choosing, there are great sources of inspiration all over the Internet. 

Donate for a good cause 

Taking social distancing seriously is already a great way to protect the well-being of those around you, but you can take it a step further by donating during this time of need. 

Pixabay license- no
attribution required

• Donate blood: Due to the ongoing pandemic, blood drives have been cancelled, meaning that there is currently a severe blood shortage. If you are interested in donating blood, check out the requirements for a student blood donor using this link: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/info-for-student-donors.html 
• Donate to a food bank: Families who face food insecurity are especially vulnerable during this time, with grocery store supplies being depleted rapidly. If possible, consider donating even small instant food packages, candy bars, or personal hygiene products; although it may be difficult to donate in bulk quantity right now, even the smallest contributions can make a difference. 

Social distancing may seem extremely monotonous, but it is actually a great chance to try fun at-home activities, take time for self-reflection, and get ahead in schoolwork and studying. So take advantage of this time to plan out a list of to-dos and start checking it off! 

Works Cited 

Caddy, Becca. “Best Meditation Apps: Practice Mindfulness with Headspace, Calm and More.” 

TechRadar, TechRadar, 21 Mar. 2020, www.techradar.com/news/best-meditation-apps.

Cascella M, Rajnik M, Cuomo A, et al. Features, Evaluation and Treatment Coronavirus 

(COVID-19) [Updated 2020 Mar 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): 

StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554776/ 

Hersh, Erica. “Coronavirus Incubation Period: How Long Before Symptoms Appear?” Healthline, 

Healthline Media, 19 Mar. 2020, 

www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-incubation-period. 

“185_factsheet_social_distancing.Pdf.” Santa Clara County Public Health Department. 

“What Is R0?: Gauging Contagious Infections.” Healthline, 

www.healthline.com/health/r-nought-reproduction-number.

Vongkiatkajorn, Kanyakrit, and Laura Daily. “How You Can Help during the Coronavirus 

Outbreak.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 21 Mar. 2020, www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/03/21/how-you-can-help-during-coronavirus/?arc404=true.  

What to Do When You Feel like School is Taking Over Your Life

By: Sonia G.

Copyright free

Does the school week ever seem like a boring routine to you? Do your days look the same? Do you have time for family and friends, or do you feel like school is taking over every aspect of your life? School should be a priority, but it should not be the only one. Your family, friends, and possibly religion are also a priority, and if you play a sport or do activities outside of school, you have even more priorities to balance. But sometimes, school and all the stress that comes along with it can feel like it’s taking over everything. 

You might feel like your projects and studying barely leave you with time to interact with family and friends. Or that all of the cumulative stress leaves you unable to function. Either way, I have developed a plan that can help you whenever you begin to feel like school is becoming your life. 

First, I would recommend that you take breaks. If you can find a way to work and then take a break, you can give yourself a boost of energy. Your break can be as quick as checking your email or as lengthy as watching a movie. Just make sure that whatever you choose, your break is not longer than your work time and still allows time for you to finish the rest of your work. 

Another idea is for you to work during times that you do not typically think of as being opportunities to do schoolwork. Depending on your school, you may have a study hall or designated time when you can work. If you’re not as lucky, I would like to point out times that you may have overlooked. For example, on the ride to and from school, you have time to read and study. At lunch, you can create a study group with other friends and study, do worksheets, or work on projects. By applying this principle to your own life, you may also find other “free periods” that you can take advantage of. This will help you free up space so that you don’t have as much to do. 

Finally, I would like to suggest that you allow yourself to relax. Take time to do things that you enjoy so that you can approach your schoolwork with a clear mind. When you are able to focus on your assignments, you are much more likely to put forth the best effort possible and do much better than you could have done when distracted. 

In Over Your Head

By: Isabella S. 

Did you know that the way a diver makes known that they need to ascend is a thumbs up? It may be used if something is wrong with breathing equipment or there is some other emergency. However, if you or I saw this gesture we would likely believe it to a be a positive symbol. Sometimes, one can appear to be doing just fine, when they are really signalling for help.

Picture by Isabella S.

You may be turning in all of your homework on time, only to go to class and struggle with the next test. You may have many friends, but replace your own needs with theirs. Maybe you are the star of a sports team, but you no longer find joy in playing. You may be the leader of a school club, but have trouble seeing progress. Maybe you are the paradigm of a good student, but don’t take time to build friendships. You may be involved in every community organization and every club that comes your way, but you can’t give your full effort to any cause.

In high school, there are many responsibilities one may assume and you are most likely surrounded by people giving you advice on how best to succeed (that is what this blog is for). As you swim through these various waters be careful of your own limits. It is okay to abandon surging tides, even if you have been swimming in them for a long time. It is okay to ask for help and it is okay to fail.

At the beginning of your high school career it is important to experiment with different dives. It is necessary for you to explore your interests or potential interests. You may jump in to various groups and realize that this pool is not for you. If you are no longer interested in playing basketball, or the debate club is no longer acting as a vehicle for your own personal progress, or maybe you are not sleeping for more than a couple hours each night, it may be time to ascend.

As you read through this blog and garner advice on how to be successful, remember that your definition of success is most important. Do not jeopardize your own mental and emotional health in order to fit society’s notion of success. You may be successful in becoming a positive role model for your younger siblings. Success may look like being the friend that everyone can lean on for support and good advice. Success may be exploring a nagging question through research and discussion. It may include becoming more independent or learning to depend on others. If you are looking back at 2018 and feel like you’re sinking, use the new year to make changes. Ask your friends and family to help you re-evaluate your life and see where you are in over your head. Reflect on your situation by making a list of what you are involved in and what you want to be involved in. Do not forget to give yourself credit for all of your success this past year.

An Important Note: Your struggle may be more serious than simply reducing your load or joining a new group. If you are sinking and cannot find a way up, it is important that you ask for help. No diver jumps in without someone on shore to help pull them out. Seek the help of your parents, a guidance counselor, a mentor, or another trusted adult. If you are experiencing more difficulty than you feel comfortable sharing or believe you need help from someone more qualified, there are resources available. You will find some of them at this link: https://giveusthefloor.org/resources/#hotlines. It is also important that you understand that you are not alone. Many students experience distress, but we misread their gesture as a thumbs up.  

How Do YOU Learn? "A Learning Style for Everyone" Revisited

Original Piece By: Noah H.
Updated By: Isabella S.

Editor's Note: This "throwback" post from 2010 is worth the read, especially before starting a new semester. Take a few minutes to find out what your learning style is and make studying for all of your classes easier!

Learning styles are the fingerprints of the mind; they are as unique as the person using them and as varying as all the people in the world.

There are several generalized categories of learning styles and all influence how a student learns. Understanding them is the best way for a student to better their classroom experience and the effectiveness of their studying. 

A learning style is the way in which a person learns. There are several different theories as to how learning styles work, but the most common divides them into four categories: visual, auditory, reading/writing-preference, and kinesthetic/tactile learners.

The most common learning style is visual. This learning style focuses on pictures, diagrams, movies, and other forms of visual media, even visual demonstrations are helpful. The second most common learning style is auditory. These learners benefit from listening to someone talk to them and from lectures or video/audio setups. Reading/Writing-preference learners are most comfortable learning from books and texts. These students may retain more information from a textbook than a lecture and often benefit from taking written notes. Lastly, kinesthetic/tactile learners are people who learn through “hands-on” experience and interaction with classroom material. 

One element to consider when examining learning styles is their ability to coexist within a single individual. No student is wholly auditory, visual, tactile, nor reading-writing preference when it comes to learning. Someone may be a 10% reading, 30% visual, 50% auditory and 10% kinesthetic learner; however, you should try to study the best way for you. The person above would most likely want to watch a video in order to capitalize on their ability to retain information they have heard and seen (visual and auditory). Another meaningful feature of learning styles is their ability to change over time. Usually babies start out learning through touch (tactile), but as they grow they will learn to use visual and auditory learning more and more.

Knowing your learning style is important, because as soon as an individual discovers which type of learner they are they can begin to adjust their studying to utilize their strengths. For example, if a student knows they learn well from videos then they should look for tutorials on YouTube or some other video site rather than trying to decipher a Wiki. Another way a student can better their learning experience is in the way they ask for help. An auditory learner may want to call their teacher over the phone for assistance while a reading/writing-preference learner will want to send an e-mail. All these factors lead to an easier online class experience.

To find your learning style visit EducationPlanner.org. 

Reading/Writing-preference Learners: We hope you enjoyed this essay!

Visual Learners: Check out this graphic about learning styles!

Auditory Learners: Click here to install a free Google Chrome extension that reads-aloud any online text, including this article!

Tactile Learners: Check out this free online tool for creating three-dimensional models!

The Logic Behind Math

By Charlotte P

Everyone must know how to compute with numbers (basic arithmetic), but once letters are introduced into math, many students start to zone out.

Why?

Because it seems to no longer apply to everyday life, and in a sense, it doesn’t. Few people other than mathematicians, financial analysts, or math teachers graph functions in their jobs. This also seems true for most mathematical skills learned above the level of basic algebra. So, why do people insist that math classes are important?

Math is used in successful occupations.

The 21st century marks the rise of STEM occupations, most of which require at least basic Calculus skills. Occupations in finance also require the knowledge of basic Calculus. Yet, this reason to study math is insufficient on its own because this only helps those who are actually skilled in mathematics. Such a skill can be derived from extensive study, but it is also related to a mere natural ability. Those without the predisposition to succeed in math might find this reason uninspiring.

Math deepens logic.

Remember those geometric proofs? That is only one example of how math relates to logic. In a geometric proof, you aim to prove a statement using given information and established rules. You must set out your logic in understandable steps in order to strengthen your argument. Such a skill is actually closely related to philosophy. In fact, it was developed by the philosopher René Descartes. If you remove the postulates and geometric data and substitute established axioms and given truths, you get a logical conclusion. Other examples involving logic are sequences, probability, and word problems. The logic skills learned in math class can be used to explain your arguments and persuade people in aspects of life outside of the math realm.

Math develops problem-solving abilities.

In math class, you learn that sometimes there is more than one way to solve a problem. Your job is to choose the easiest way. With every problem you practice, you are also practicing figuring out the most efficient method to solve a problem after mentally listing all the possible methods. This is how you solve problems in real life as well. Moreover, other courses do not provide as much problem-solving practice as the subject of mathematics.

Math provides a sense of accomplishment.

Students who eventually master a topic in math can feel pride because math can be difficult, and they were able to overcome the difficulties associated with it. Although not everyone is quick at math, a combination of teacher and student effort can guarantee success in a mathematics course. And because math can be a real challenge, there is a true sense accomplishment that comes with doing well in math.

So, in conclusion, math is not your enemy, but a friend and a trainer. And because doing well math is quite rewarding, don’t give up. Those who persevere can do well at mathematics and at life.

Making the Most of Your Peer Tutoring Session

By Ramya Krishna M.

The Peer Tutoring Center is a free service offered by NCVPS for the benefit of their students – all of you! After all, why should any student feel like a buoy in the middle of the ocean, in regards to their academics? As peer tutors we are here to offer you the benefits of our experience, whether from online courses, classroom courses, or intellectual curiosity.  Whether you are a first timer or a returning customer, it’s important to us and to you that the help you receive is actually beneficial. None of us want you leaving a session dissatisfied or more confused than you were before. This article is meant to help you prevent such problems before they start by making the most of your Peer Tutoring Session.

Start by preparing ahead. Before you begin hyperventilating, ask yourself what exactly you need help with.  All of us have had that class where we reach that point of being overwhelmed, but in order to seek help, we must target the areas that plague us the most. For example, instead of simply saying, “I need help with pre-calculus”, ask for help with specific concepts, such as functions or trigonometry. That way, we can target our assistance to fit your needs. However, be smart about what you ask your tutors. It's not impossible to figure out when you're asking us test questions, which are meant to test your knowledge, not ours. Plagiarism (taking someone else's words as your own) is also academic dishonesty and both will merit disclosure to your teacher. Just don't do it.

Active participation will allow you to retain the information you have studied with your tutor. Make an effort to understand the assignment or concept instead of seeking a speedy answer, especially when you have to build on this knowledge throughout the course. Figure out what teaching styles and methods suit your learning style best, either through experience or numerous online quizzes like this one: (http://www.personal.psu.edu/bxb11/LSI/LSI.htm) and inform your tutor. Help us help you. You should be taking detailed notes as you go through a session with a peer tutor. You don't want to exit a session and go back to your assignment, only to realize that you don't remember what your tutor said.

Suppose you are a particularly astute learner who has caught your tutor making a mistake. Don't let us get away with it. Instead, politely inform us of our error. We strive to always give you the correct information, but we're human too. I don't say this to make you paranoid, but it's a reminder to keep your eyes open. 

Understandably, you may be feeling frustrated when you don't get the material. Don't succumb to this frustration, even when it is hard. Keep asking questions to your tutor, don't be too worried about holding us up. We want to help you! If your tutor can't help you, don't stop looking until you find someone who can. It may seem daunting to ask for assistance, but it is absolutely worth it. 

More Than Just Reading the Textbook

By Nicole R.

Have you ever found yourself reading a textbook for homework, and it just goes in one ear and out the other? If you answered yes to this question, then you should stick around. When I first started my AP Environmental Science class I had to read about 25 textbook pages a night and it felt pointless because by the time I got to class the next morning, I had forgotten everything I read. On the first test I scored poorly because of this. Then a solution came! I will do an outline of every chapter. This really helped and brought my grade up 10 points on the next test.

There are many different ways to do an outline. I do mine the way my history teacher taught me, but you should find the way that works best for you.

Mine goes like this:

Chapter # and title

Section #-# and title

Header Title

a. List a point you think is important to remember
b. List a point you think is important to remember
c. List a point you think is important to remember
d. List a point you think is important to remember ( I would try not to list more than four points.)

Header Title

a.

b.

c.

d.

You should keep going until you finish the chapter

Here is an example of one I did in my AP Environmental Science class. This is just one section.

4-6 What roles do species play in an ecosystem?

Each species plays a role in its ecosystem

A. Ecological niche- the role a species plays in an ecosystem. It is a species way of life in a community.
B. Generalist species have broad niches. They can live in many different places, eat many different foods, and live in many different environmental conditions. ex. humans, deer, mice, and rats. Cockroaches are very general.
C. Specialist species occupy narrow niches. They can only eat certain types of food and live in one of two places. They are more prone to extinction.
D. When environmental conditions are the constant is better to be a specialist with few competition, but when conditions change it is better to be a generalist.

Species can play five major roles within ecosystems

A. Native species- normally live and thrive in a particular ecosystem.
B. Non-native species- migrate into an ecosystem. They are also called alien, invasive, and exotic species. They can compete with native species and reduce the amount of them. This is not good.

Indicator species serve as Biological Smoke Alarms

A. Indicator species provide early warnings of damage to a community or an ecosystem. Birds and butterflies are these.

Case Study: Why are amphibians vanishing?

A. They are indicator species. They are the first vertebrates. They are better at adapting to environmental changes through evolution than many other species.
B. The eggs of frogs can not protect themselves from pollution.
C. The population is declining because of human population impacts.

Keystone species play a critical role in their ecosystems

A. Keystone species are species whose roles have a large effect on the types and abundance of other species in an ecosystem. They exist in limited numbers
B. They pollinate plants and regulate the population of other species.
C. The loss of keystone species can lead to population crashes and extinctions of other species in a community that depend on them for certain ecological services.

Foundation species help to form the bases of ecosystems

A. Foundation species play a major role in shaping their communities by creating and enhancing their habitats in ways that benefit other species. For example; beavers
B. The difference between keystone and foundation species is that foundation species help to create habitats and ecosystems. Keystone species do this and more,; they play a role in foundation and an active role in maintaining the ecosystem and keeping it functioning.

This is most commonly beneficial in AP classes where the teachers are not so demanding in how you learn the material as long as you learn it. They give you more flexibility. The key is to not write down everything. You can write too much and it will not be beneficial at all. If you are unsure what to write it is good to start with bold words and italic words. Another suggestion is that I always make my chapter # and title, my section #-# and title and my header # and title different colors. Then before you take the test refer back to these notes to study. GOOD LUCK!

The Value of Learning

by Charlotte P

“When will we use this in real life?” So many teachers have heard this question numerous times, and some have come up with clever answers. However, the question remains: what is the value of learning what we may not use in our future careers?

We are not talking about whether or not school should also teach necessary life skills such as filling out tax forms, budgeting, or cooking. This article is mainly about whether an aspiring scientist should be learning about literature, or whether an aspiring athlete should study calculus.

Possible Solution 1: There is actually no value in studying disciplines irrelevant to students’ future career plans.

Although highly opposed among adults, many of my fellow students have come to strongly believe this statement. And to a certain extent, they are correct. Time is precious, and life is short. All the time spent in those classes may have been used to further hone in on necessary skills. However, careers change over time. Are there any more telephone operators? Are there not less bank tellers at the bank than before? As for the jobs that withstand the test of time, they require skills in numerous disciplines. A medical doctor, for instance, though primarily focused on the sciences of biology and chemistry, must also be familiar with Latin, Greek, mathematics, and reading comprehension. Moreover, knowledge not used at the workplace can still be used in everyday conversation and, perhaps, in helping the next generation with their schoolwork.

Possible Solution 2: Education should be more work-related as students advance through their education

Of course, few would disagree that an elementary school student should have time to get a taste of everything before specializing. Then, according to this concept, a middle school or junior high student should be able to further specialize, but still must take core classes in math, English, social studies, and science, which generally cover the basics. However, in high school, students should not be required to take classes beyond the necessary level. For example, a student who only needs to know basic algebra need not take geometry or pre-calculus. The problem with this idea is that the high school student still does not know all the available career opportunities and changes his or her interests almost daily. We must admit that teenagers (us) are rather capricious.

Possible Solution 3: A well-rounded education allows for exploration and enrichment.

There is a reason why the Ivy League Universities (and other prestigious universities) believe in the liberal arts curriculum. They have core requirements in addition to major-specific degree requirements. Why? Because they believe that such a system would introduce their students to new fields and possible interests. Many students say that without such a system, they would never have found their interest in (insert academic field here). I believe this idea applies to high school as well. Although I love biology and hope to be a doctor, I also love calculus and literature, and I may indeed land a career in one of those fields instead. If that happens, I would still be content because I know I enjoy those fields. As for enrichment, it’s pretty much a big word for that sensation students get when they say, “Before I took this class, I had no interest (or hated) in the subject. Now, I actually find it to be quite interesting, although I’m still not passionate about it.” For human beings, it’s nice to learn something, whether at school or elsewhere.

So, when will we use (insert school subject name here) in real life? Honestly, maybe never. But learning a wide variety of academic disciplines, including derivatives and integrals, makes you a better person. It is not a waste of time if you learned something.

Navigating AP

By Josh K

It’s time to talk about AP - Advanced Placement courses. The mere utterance of that word may send chills down your spine, or cause you to break out in a cold sweat. Yes, AP courses are tough - they’re supposed to be, as they’re college level courses meant to be taken in high school. Naturally, this means more effort and time is necessary to do well; you can’t “cruise control” through AP courses like you can honors or standard, unless of course, you’re aiming to fail the class! Not to worry though, most (if not all) people can survive AP, as long as they chose wisely and understand what they’re getting into. Allow me to explain:

How to succeed in the AP program

1.) Know what AP means

AP is short for Advanced Placement. The whole idea behind AP classes is that high-school age kids, like you and I, should have the opportunity to take college level courses while still in high-school. By doing this, you can be prepared to take an end of year AP exam; should you do well enough on that, you can earn college credit and place out of the course entirely. AP exam scores range from 5 to 1, 5 being top-notch, and 1 representing no recommendation to receive credit. Generally, people shoot for around a 3 to a 5. The College Board (the people who are behind the SAT and the AP program) insists that AP: a.) Looks great to colleges, and b.) Can save you money in college. Both of these are true, assuming you do well in the course. A bad AP score/grade is simply a bad score/grade. It definitely won’t be doing you any favors.

2.) Choose the right area

What does this mean, you ask? Simply put, you have to choose classes and subject areas that you’ve traditionally done well in, and have a genuine interest for. For example, if you’re an amateur journalist/poet/author/writing guru, you should consider taking a course in AP English. Keep in mind the word “consider”; while you may good at English, you should really make sure you understand the dedication required here. For some people, AP just doesn’t work. And that’s absolutely fine. If you try to take an AP class in a subject like psychology, and you hate psychology, you’re going to have a bad time! Like I’ve said in an earlier post, achievment requires passion - if you’re going to achieve in an AP course, you have to have the passion for the subject.

3.) Choose the right number

“I have an idea - I’ll take a full load of AP courses since that’s what colleges love to see! I’ll get into Harvard/MIT/Caltech/Yale for sure!!!!” - NO. Whatever you do, understand that just like many other things in life, quality is stressed over quantity when it comes to AP classes. An AP course typically merits 1-2 hours of homework a night, depending on your teacher and subject. Therefore, if you take a full load of AP’s (full load = 4 classes), then worst-case scenario, you’re looking at 2 hours x 4 classes = 8 hours of homework. Plus, most people participate in extracurricular activities, which takes time away from the AP course at hand. Unless you’re an academic masochist (and if you’re one of these people, by all means go full blast), most people stick to around 3-4 AP’s a year. For example, if you’ve taken 3 your junior year, consider doing 4 senior year. The point here is to keep your load manageable, whatever manageable means to you.

4.) Be aware of the work load

Like I mentioned earlier, AP’s are college level classes. With that comes the extra-responsibility and dedication needed in order to learn and do well on that AP exam, come the end of the year. AP classes are intensive; they really make you think, and on occasion, will stump you beyond relief. That’s OK - the important thing about getting knocked down is having the discipline to pick yourself back up. Fail to do that, and you’ll be miserable, drowning in the sea of AP.

5.) Don’t take them if you’re not ready

“Even though I’m a sophomore still getting used to high school, I’m going to take 2 AP’s like all my friends do and hope for the best.” - this is planning to fail. Last year at my school, there was a large influx of sophomores who considered themselves ready for AP, and took the historically known “easy AP’s”: AP Psychology and AP Environmental. Suffice to say, these classes weren’t that easy, and a sizable number of them ended up doing horrible. They were miserable in the class, they felt bad about themselves, and it was just an awful time. Don’t be like these people - if you’re not ready for AP, for whatever reason, don’t do it. Oh, and FYI: there’s no such thing as an easy AP.

So after reading that dissertation of a blog entry, you may be wondering why you should even bother with AP. The answer is different for different people, but often times, taking AP courses comes from a passion for learning. If you want to work and have a great reward at the end (college credit is pretty cool), AP is for you. I honestly hope I didn’t scare any of you out of it; most people, if not all, should consider AP. There’s a variety of courses to choose from, whether you’re an artist or a scientist. Just remember: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work” - Thomas Edison.