Types of Classes

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seb.g.b

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I know this might be a common question, and if has been discussed before, please direct me to the appropriate thread so people don't have to restate what they already said. How does taking higher classes and grades affect you? For example, would they rather see you taking honors/AP classes getting mostly B's or regular classes getting straight A's?

Thank you.
 
This question (or a version thereof) came up at BGO training a few years ago. As I recall, we were told that students should take classes at an AP level because they believe they can succeed at this advanced level, not just to take them. IOW, if you're great at English, AP English is for you. Conversely, if you're not great at chemistry, you probably shouldn't take AP chem.

It doesn't help a student to take all AP courses and get mostly Bs and maybe a C. Bottom line is that students need to think about AP courses and take them strategically. Obviously, if you can handle 5 AP courses and get As, good on you. But if you can't, taking 1, 2 or 3 in courses where you expect to excel is smarter than taking 5 Apps and doing miserably. It's a balance between challenging yourself and setting your self up for failure. Each person is different, so the decision will be different,
 
usna1985 said:
This question (or a version thereof) came up at BGO training a few years ago. As I recall, we were told that students should take classes at an AP level because they believe they can succeed at this advanced level, not just to take them. IOW, if you're great at English, AP English is for you. Conversely, if you're not great at chemistry, you probably shouldn't take AP chem.

It doesn't help a student to take all AP courses and get mostly Bs and maybe a C. Bottom line is that students need to think about AP courses and take them strategically. Obviously, if you can handle 5 AP courses and get As, good on you. But if you can't, taking 1, 2 or 3 in courses where you expect to excel is smarter than taking 5 Apps and doing miserably. It's a balance between challenging yourself and setting your self up for failure. Each person is different, so the decision will be different,
Click to expand...

I get that but my primary reason of asking this question is because my high school requires you to take all honors classes and forces you to take certain APS. For example, I'm not too good with English, however they force me to take AP Lang and AP lit.
 
seb.g.b said:
I get that but my primary reason of asking this question is because my high school requires you to take all honors classes and forces you to take certain APS.
Click to expand...

Since you’re required to do so, just do your very best. Not everyone is good at everything, but you can always give max effort.
 
All good advice above. In addition, respectfully suggest approaching this question from a slightly different perspective... ask yourself: "What classes should I be taking in high school that will best PREPARE me for success AT the Academy?" This applies to selecting extra-curriculars, sports, part-time jobs, and other off-campus activities as well. As a BGO, I am always asked what do I need to do to get in? But I encourage candidates and prospects to elevate their thinking. Would you rather have high level AP classes under your belt in high school so that you can tackle Calc 1 during your fall semester plebe year? Sure you would. (Your competition will as well). Expect to Win!
 
I thought this was a Downton Abbey thread, and was planning to chime in with "the distinction has gotten blurry over the years...

Nevermind.
 
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