AP Science

February 9, 2022

Choosing Courses: AP or Not?

What is AP?

Advanced Placement is a program run by the College Board (the makers of the SAT) that allows you to take special high school courses that can earn you university credit and/or qualify you for more advanced classes when you begin university.

FRC AP courses in Science:

Physics 42S1 (grade 11) (Take physics 30S before taking 42S1) and Physics 42S (grade 12)

(Each course is a separate university credit – 2 in total).

Chemistry 32S (grade 11) (take CH32S instead of CH30S) and Chemistry 42S (grade 12)

(1 university credit)

Biology 42S (grade 12) (Must have Bio 30S and Bio40SH beforehand)

(1 university credit)

Who should consider taking AP?

Students with a high standing >90% in the regular stream courses might consider taking the more challenging AP course, if offered.
Students who have a real genuine interest in the subject matter and want to explore more of the topic.
If you are quite certain about your career path, then AP courses in that subject area would be beneficial. For example, if you are set on going into engineering, then you would benefit by taking AP physics and AP Calculus.
Students who are not all marks focused. If your only goal is for a high mark, then AP is not for you. If you are interested in learning a lot about a subject, then choose AP.

Why take AP?

AP classes are designed to give the experience of an intro-level university class while you're still in high school. *They are first year university classes – even if taking the grade 11 year”.
Taking an AP course and passing the test is a sign that you're capable of handling university-level work, which will strengthen your university applications immensely.
AP classes sharpen writing skills, teach how to think critically, and improve problem-solving abilities.
AP students learn to navigate the academic expectations and pace they'll encounter in university courses.
Depending on the University chosen, students can earn college credit. (Saves money since high school AP at FRC is free, but at University you pay for the course, lab fees, and textbooks.)
AP courses and exam scores help students qualify for scholarships.
Research has shown that students who take AP exams get higher grades in college than those with similar grades who don't take AP exams.
Taking an AP exam demonstrates real academic interest in a certain subject. For example, if you're an aspiring engineer, taking the AP Calculus and AP Physics courses and passing their respective exams will prove to university admissions committees that you're serious about engineering and have the skills necessary to pursue it. Or by taking AP Chemistry, AP Biology, and/or AP Calculus would indicate that you have the skills and background needed to handle tough pre-med classes at University.
Many universities are now looking to see whether you took the hardest courses available to you at your school. Taking AP classes is often the best way to show that you are challenging yourself academically at your high school.
AP classes are often smaller class shared with high-achieving, like-minded individuals.
Due to a required lab component, there is more opportunity for authentic hands-on experience.

What is an AP exam?

An AP exam is an International exam prepared by College Board. It covers all the material you learn in an AP class (or classes – depending how the course has been designed at high school). You will typically earn college credit if you pass the exam with a score above 3 (exams are marked from 1 – 5 – with 5 being the highest.
AP exams are given in May, so most AP courses at FRC run in 1^st semester. Exceptions are those pre-AP courses. Chemistry 32S for example is an FRC based courses, so there will be an FRC exam only. However – material learned in Chemistry 32S will be covered on the Chemistry 42S College Board in May of the grade 12 year. Another example is that material from both Bio30S and Bio40SH (which covers 2 units from AP Bio42S) is also on the AP Biology exam.

Cons:

Since AP courses are essentially university level material, that goes above and beyond a regular grade 12 course, marks will not be as high as you might expect. If you are concerned only about grades, and not about learning concepts, then these are not the courses for you.
AP courses are much more demanding of your time outside of class. Be prepared to spend up to an hour each day for each AP class after school reading and practicing. This may impact involvement in extra-curricular activities or job hours.
Not all universities recognize AP level courses – so if you know where you want to go for University, you will want to check beforehand.

Other Points to Consider:

If you choose to take a grade 11 AP course and find yourself over your head, you can always sign up for a regular course at the grade 12 level the following year. For example, if Chemistry 32S is too difficult, you can take Chemistry 40S in grade 12 instead of continuing with Chemistry 42S.

Here is what some AP students have said:

AP courses are a fantastic choice if you want to be challenged, want to receive a style of education closer to university, and are prepared to work very hard. AP courses are also great for teaching you to be a more independent student, as the onus will be on you to manage your time and learn in the way you see best for yourself. That said, if you value high grades above all, AP courses are not for you. This is not to say that you cannot get "good" grades in AP courses, it is just that you can get better grades in regular classes. If you are involved in athletics/clubs that require a significant amount of your time (i.e. basketball or volleyball), you will be hard-pressed throughout the week and have little free time if you take AP courses. The time investment for AP is significant, so only take courses you know you will like and do not take any course just for the sake of "being in an AP".

The following chart shows all of the science courses offered at Fort Richmond Collegiate and the pathway to follow.