Which AP subjects do I pick?

Firstly, let us start off by knowing what AP really is.. briefly. AP (Advanced Placement) is offered by The College Board; it is a demanding academic programme that allows determined students to pursue university-level coursework while still in secondary or high school. The AP Exams, which are offered in more than 20 topics, can provide students an edge in the college admissions process, allow them to earn college credit and choose their preferable subjects, and help them develop the skills necessary for success in college and beyond.

There is generally a lot of confusion for these questions:

• What AP classes do I take?
• Which AP classes go hand in hand with each other?
• What AP classes do I take for my major?
• Why do I need to do AP?

Read further, and you’ll feel better knowing the answers.

Like peanut butter and jelly.. or samosa and green chutney, AP classes are wonderful by themselves but are better when taken together because of how well they compliment each other. There are 2 main reasons why you should do AP:

Get. That. College. Credit.

If you ask me, I’d definitely say it is worth it. Now, who doesn’t want the opportunity to waive college classes and maybe finish college early? Now now, keep in mind that you need good grades to actually use the credit, so don’t get carried away. Getting college placement or credit while still in high school can ultimately save you time and money. Only those who pass an AP Exam can receive advanced placement or college credit.

Stand out. Be extra.

Doing a class like AP is no easy feat. It requires dedication, determination, patience and most definitely hard work. By demonstrating to schools, institutions, and scholarship organizations your commitment to working hard to accomplish college-level work, taking an AP Exam can help you stand out to them.

Also Read – What is the best way to study for an AP exam?

Now back to the samosa or the PB&J, let us take a look at some of the AP cross-curricular companion pairings. They are meant for each other.. Or something along those lines. You could consider taking these options for AP if your school provides the subjects:

• AP Biology pairs with AP Environmental Science
• AP Biology pairs with AP Psychology
• AP Art History pairs with AP World History: Modern
• AP U.S. Government and Politics pairs with AP Macroeconomics
• AP English Language and Composition pairs with AP United States History
• AP Human Geography pairs with AP Environmental Science
• AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based pairs with AP Calculus AB
• AP Research pairs with AP Statistics

You may think: All this is fine, but how do I know what I want to take?

Dear reader, that is quite a valid question. Don’t stop reading. There are 4 reasons that should help you make those million dollar decisions. 

1. Make a list of the subjects your school provides that way, you have a narrowed-down list to work with and you will know what your choices are. You don’t want to be disappointed to learn that your school doesn’t teach the subject you want after all the brainpower you put into thinking about what classes you could take.
2. Decide what you wanna pursue for college. While there is nothing wrong with running around like a headless chicken, it is good to have some direction for your career. Believe it or not, taking the necessary subjects for AP now might give you a headstart in college. Think about what major you want to study, what kind of classes you can take to waive college credit.. You know the drill.
3. Explore more about each of the courses. There’s always going to be some subject where your interest may lie, but you’ve never really explored it. If you’re that headless chicken I was talking about earlier, taking a closer look at what these subjects provide could help you decide where your interests are. And eventually.. Well, college.

Now, we’ve reached the last portion of the blog. Don’t worry, we’re almost there. You definitely don’t want to miss this though. 

Keeping a career in mind and choosing the appropriate subjects is probably the best way to tackle the problem of taking the right AP classes. We’ve got some common majors and their possible AP class pairings. While we may not have covered it all, it will give you an idea. 

• Architect: AP Calculus AB and BC, AP 2-D Art and Design, AP 3-D Art and Design, and AP Art History
• Artist: AP Art and Design, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Art History, and AP Psychology
• Engineer: AP Calculus AB and BC, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Physics C: Mechanics, and AP Environmental Science
• Financial Analyst: AP Statistics, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Macroeconomics, and AP U.S. Government and Politics
• Lawyer: AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP Comparative Government and Politics, AP U.S. History, and AP Human Geography
• Real estate broker: AP Microeconomics, AP Psychology, AP Seminar, and AP Human Geography
• Teacher: AP Psychology, AP English Language and Composition, AP Seminar, and AP Research
• Web Designer: AP Computer Science Principles, AP Psychology, AP 2-D Art and Design, and AP Computer Science A

This is all that I have for you today! 

I hope you all the very best in your future endeavors.