There are many reasons why taking challenging classes can be valuable for a student’s future. For someone trying to get into a top university, taking difficult classes shows admissions officers that they are not afraid to accept a challenge. Students may avoid taking rigorous courses because of the difficulty, but they are beneficial to their future. Applying oneself in rigorous subjects will enhance their GPA and college resume.
Top colleges often look for individuality, good grades, enthusiasm for school and strong test scores. Having a high GPA, followed by completed Advanced Placement and honors classes gives them those requirements to potentially be accepted in one of those top universities. It is all about how the student applies themself and how dedicated they are to succeeding while challenging themselves.
Taking honors and AP courses better prepares students for the kind of education to expect in college. Getting acclimated to college-level courses earlier in one’s education builds important skills they will need in life and college, such as critical thinking skills, problem solving, stronger writing skills, good study habits and academic discipline. According to Arizona State University admissions, taking AP courses also shows that students have experience in taking college level courses. Additionally, passing the AP exams can allow students to receive college credits early and saves them time to take other required classes.
Having motivation can be a struggle amongst students, which may be why they do not take rigorous courses. It is all about knowing what they can and can not handle. Yet, students should take higher level classes in subjects they feel passionate or want to learn more about. For example, if they have a passion for science, AP chemistry or honors chemistry may be appealing to them and can prepare them for the major they choose in college.
There may be a sense of regret for not taking AP or honors courses in high school because students may not be properly prepared for college courses. When taking more advanced courses in college, having experience in critical thinking-based classes is valuable. Without having a proper experience of taking advanced classes the student may be overwhelmed by the workload overtime which may cause them to slack off.
Besides looking good to colleges, there are many other benefits of taking AP and honors courses. Different interest areas are more accessible to students in rigorous courses. Students develop a wider range of thinking in the variety of courses that may interest them. According to The Princeton Review, a tutoring and test prep company, taking AP/Honors classes can lead students to greater opportunities and open their eyes to careers they may want to study in college. Developing a passion for these subjects is not only important to colleges but also to the student finding a career they genuinely want to pursue.
Learning what they can and can not handle and pushing their boundaries can make a difference in their academic standing. It can also save a student from wasting time trying to choose a major. After already taking AP classes they wanted to take, now they have more interest in the career they actually desire to pursue. Students who find a subject that they are drawn to earlier in life can make their college experience and job search much easier.
To increase a students’ value to top universities, it is beneficial to take AP and honors courses. Taking these advanced courses can make a difference in their college application by showing the different capabilities and skills they have mastered throughout the course. Not only will these skills benefit them academically, they will also be able to apply them to real world situations they face throughout their life.
