I’m Here For You
(Prospective AP Student)
AP Program Q&A
A not-so-miniature guide consisting of 50 or so questions students may have about AP classes.
Created by DJ Hadoken and DJ Wang
Questions about the AP Program
- 1. What does AP stand for?
- 2. How do I get into an AP class?
- 3. How will an AP class help me in college?
- 4. What is the difference between an AP class and an actual college course?
- 5. Are AP classes easier than college courses?
- 6. Is there any homework in an AP class?
- 7. Is an AP class worth it?
- 8. What time periods does AP European History cover?
- 9. Why should I join an AP class?
- 10. How will an AP class affect my GPA?
- 11. How many AP classes should I take in a year?
- 12. What is the difference between an AP class and a regular class?
- 13. What is the difference between an AP class and a honors class?
- 14. Is an AP class like gifted?
- 15. What is an AP class environment like?
- 16. Is it possible to have a “fun” AP class?
- 17. What if I don't want to take an AP class anymore?
General Questions
- 18. Should I panic?
- 19. Do I need prior knowledge?
- 20. Should I sleep in class?
- 21. Should I expect to do a lot of “busy work”?
- 22. Should I take notes?
- 23. How much reading should I do?
- 24. Is there a midterm?
- 25. Is there a final?
- 26. Should I miss any days?
- 27. How do I stay awake during class?
- 28. How can I tell whether my teacher is good or not?
- 29. Everyone around me is stressed out about the class, should I stress out too?
- 30. Should I complain repeatedly to my teacher and peers that the class is too hard?
- 31. I've been reading a lot, but I'm not able to remember what I read. What should I do?
The AP Test
- 32. What is the AP test?
- 33. Should I take the AP test?
- 34. Do I have to take the AP test?
- 35. What kind of pen should I use for the AP test?
- 36. What can I bring to the test?
- 37. How much should I study?
- 38. How long will the test take?
- 39. Should I buy study books?
- 40. Will colleges see my score?
- 41. How much does the test cost?
- 42. What kind of study method should I follow?
- 43. Should I have a study group?
- 44. How will I receive my score?
- 45. When do I take the test?
- 46. Where will I be taking the test?
- 47. Am I given a break?
- 48. What is a DBQ?
- 49. What is a free-response essay?
- 50. How many free-responses are on the test?
- 51. How many questions are on the multiple-choice test?
- 52. What are the multiple-choice questions like?
- 53. Can I relax after the AP test has finally been over and done with?
1. Okay, okay. So I’ve noticed that a lot of the smart kids in my school talk about “AP classes,” but what exactly does AP stand for?
That’s easy. AP stands for Advanced Placement, which basically is another form of an advanced class like honors or gifted. An AP class is significant because if you pass the AP exam towards the end of the year, you will earn a college credit for that class. That means you don’t have to take it in college.
2. Hey, I think I’m a smart kid. How do I get into an AP class?
Well, some AP classes are elective courses, like AP European History, and can be chosen at the time you get to select your classes for your next year in high school. For most AP classes, however, you need a teacher recommendation, which is easy to get. Say you want to take AP English 3 your junior year. Just go up to your current English teacher and ask them about taking AP English. They’ll take care of you.
3. Hmm.. I’m considering what you are saying; AP classes count as college courses, right? Then what’s the difference between an AP class and an actual college course?
To start off, AP classes are usually taken within your high school. There are usually a lot less students in an AP class than in an actual college class. The method of teaching may not be as rigid as in college, but you still get the same credit. Basically, an AP class is a much more relaxed form of a college class, which serves to prepare you for the real thing when the time comes... unless you plan on dropping out. Then it doesn’t really matter.
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Hecks yeah. Don’t listen to what teachers say, that “oh, blah, blah, blah, it’s college level, it’s hard”. That’s BS. That’s just a way of making AP classes look more important than they actually are.
5. Yeah, now you’re talking. My counselors are lamesters, too. Let me get this straight, how will an AP class affect me when I’m in college?
It depends. If you take enough AP classes throughout high school, you may enter into college as a sophomore. AP classes count for college credits. If you take (and pass the exam), for example, AP Physics, then when you reach college, you will have one science credit accounted for.
6. Should I expect to get homework in my AP class?
It all depends on what class you take. Of course, just about any class involves homework of some sort. So yes, usually there will be a good deal of reading you must do outside of class.
7. I am always hearing about “AP classes and college”, “AP classes and scholarships”, “AP classes and GPA”, etc, etc. What is wrong with these people? Are AP classes even worth it?
No, actually, they aren’t. You will have a perfectly happy future if you never take any AP classes. Do whatever you can handle. It helps to know what you want to do as a career. Don’t take AP Calculus if you plan on being a director of movies.
8. You mentioned AP European History. I’m considering taking that class. But I was wondering, what time periods does it cover?
Beginning at the Middle Ages, and then from about circa 1200 to modern times.
9. I’m almost convinced about taking an AP class. But why exactly should I take an AP class?
You don’t really have to take an AP class, but it does look nice on your records. Besides, if you do have to take the class in college, and have the opportunity to take it in high school, you will be able to save money. Remember, college is hard and expensive. High school is easy and free.
10. My records? You mean like my GPA or something?
Yeah, stuff like that. Honors and gifted classes give you an extra point for every A and B. AP classes give you two for A’s and B’s and one for C’s. Plus, they make you look really smart.
11. I think I’m rather smart. How many AP classes do you think I can handle in a year?
Oh, tough question. AP classes can be really stressful, especially around exam time. “No AP class” is perfectly fine. One is fine too. Two would probably be the most (unless you think you can handle more). Don’t be like one of those lamesters that have like six AP classes plus a seventh music theory class. Those people are workaholics who need to find a life and a hobby not related to school.
12. Hey, that’s rather harsh. But I agree, though. One of my friends has been in AP classes since freshman year; I don’t think he will ever find happiness in life. This other guy I know, however, is in all regular classes. He’s been asking me about AP lately, and I want to know what I should tell him about what the difference is between an AP class and a regular class?
AP classes are a lot harder than regular classes. If a person is only accustomed to regular classes, they might find it difficult to adjust to the demands of an AP class.
13. Alrighty, what about me? I’m in honors classes. What’s the difference between those and AP classes?
Nothing really. Just think of an AP class as an honors class with a big test towards the end.
14. I know a lot of kids who are in the gifted program. Is an AP class like a gifted class?
Not really. AP classes don’t teach you how to be a lamester.
15. Heh, yeah. Those gifted kids have always been lamesters. But some of them are cool. I have to admit. Anyways, what is an AP class environment like?
The students are usually a lot more mature in an AP class. You may have a clown or two, but they are usually just as smart as everyone else. The teacher may lecture and give work just as in an honors class. And taking notes is essential. This is another situation where it all depends on the class, teacher, and students.
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Eh, somewhat. AP classes are never entirely fun. The type of fun you will experience is mainly inside jokes and corny intellectual jokes. Don’t expect to see fights breaking out regularly and huge paper airplanes flying across the classroom on a daily basis.
17. Darn it! I want paper airplanes! So what if I’m in an AP class and I decide that I don’t want to be in it anymore?
Then by all means, drop out of it and into an honors class or another elective. If you don’t plan on taking the exam and can’t handle the stress, don’t risk happiness by forcing yourself to go through a class you don’t enjoy. Don’t over-exert yourself if it is going to hurt you more than help you. Put your own happiness first before school.
18. Alright, so I finally joined an AP class. I’m getting near my first exam. Should I panic?
As The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy would advise: “Don’t Panic”. Remember, it’s just a stupid test. Considering that it’s just a regular in-class test, if you have always done well on tests, then just study like you normally would. Always remember that you have a lot of more important things to do than panic over a test.
19. I decided to take AP Biology as one of my classes. There is a student in it that has never taken Biology before. Does it matter that she doesn’t have any prior knowledge?
Not really. Although, it always does help to have prior knowledge. Like I said before, an AP class is just like an honors class with a big test towards the end.
20. I was up late talking to my best friend last night. I only got 4 hours of sleep and I have an AP class as my last period during the day. Should I sleep during class?
It depends on what kind of teacher you have. If they only really lecture and re-word what’s exactly in the textbook and don’t care if you sleep, then go ahead. You can always just catch up later by reading. But if taking notes and paying attention is vital, then try to take a tape recorder or take some Coca-Cola or some kind of energy booster with you. If all else fails, then sleep and review the class later with a friend. But do try to get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep is an important part of staying healthy.
21. I’m used to getting a lot of “busy work” in my classes. You know, like pointless worksheets and copying down hundreds of vocabulary terms. Should I expect to get this kind of work from my AP class?
Maybe. You shouldn’t worry though. Because up until the AP exam day, most of the work is trying to cover as much material as possible before the test. After the test, however, is when you can expect to get busy work. Once you’ve gotten through all the stress of previous assignments, the busy work is nothing to worry about, anyways.
22. I’ve always hated taking notes. I’m used to just sitting back and listening. Do I really have to take notes?
You don’t ever have to do anything. It is up to what you choose to do. If you have always been a good listener, then don’t change your ways. Although notes do help refresh your memory if you haven’t gone over certain material in a long time.
23. I’ve noticed that a lot of the work in my AP class revolves heavily around the textbook. How much reading from it should I actually do?
The word “depends” once again applies to this. If your class is only based on the textbook, then read it. Or read chapter outlines. You just have to learn how your class works and then you can determine just how much reading or work you have to do in order to keep up.
24. When the middle of the year arrives, should I rejoice the fact that I won’t have a midterm? It is an AP class, right? So that means the only important test is the AP exam?
Nooo. Whoever gave you that “fact” should read this Q&A. You still are required to take a midterm exam when you are in an AP class. It’s disappointing, but yeah, that’s how it is. Yes, the AP exam is the most important one, but academically, the midterm still counts towards your final grade.
25. What about a final exam? Please tell me that I don’t have to take that...
Sorry.. You still have to take a final exam. It’s a bummer, but if you are lucky, the teacher may just be considerate and make the final exam extraordinarily easy since you have worked so hard to do the AP exam (unless you were lazy, then you deserve to have a hard final). But, remember, if you have had straight A’s in the class for every nine weeks on your report card, including the midterm, then you are exempt from the final. Woo!
26. I’m kind of tired today. Should I skip my AP class?
Yeah, why not? But you will probably miss vital information if your instructor uses outside information that isn't included in the textbook. Try not to be absent. It cuts down on paper work.
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I haven’t quite figured that one out yet, but I hear cotton candy does wonders. I’m kidding. Cotton candy is never the answer (unless you run out of options). Again, I’m playing. See how this is keeping you awake? Eat cookies or take interesting notes. Or as you are taking notes, make observations... “Hitler used the blitzkrieg to defeat Poland. Man, that girl over there by the window is hot...”
28. How can I tell if my teacher is good or not?
They are good if they seem to possess a good amount of knowledge on the subject without constantly referring to the textbook. Or if they assign meaningful and moderate amount of work.
29. Everyone is stressed out about the class. Should I stress out too?
When in Rome... but you should try and keep yourself as sane as possible. But don’t go fooling yourself; if the class is stressful, perhaps you should stir up some shenanigans. Again, I’m joking. See how this keeps you alert? Don’t pretend that the class is easy if it isn’t. Admit that it is stressing and you can find more time to adapt to this lifestyle change.
30. Should I complain repeatedly to my teacher and peers that the class is too hard?
If the class is sincerely way too hard for even the resident brainchild in the class, then yes, you should complain about the level of difficulty to the instructor. Even though it is considered a college level class, the reality is still that it is being placed upon younger high school students.
31. I’ve been reading a lot. But I’m not able to remember what I read. What should I do?
Get one of those nifty cybernetic implants that record every spec of data you see. Also, you could try eating your reading material. There is no better way to learn other than by literally devouring knowledge. That’s the way I got through Physics. Seriously though, if you have to read a large amount of pages, try to read about four at a time and then take a break. It does actually work.
32. What is this AP test thing I hear about?
It’s a test designed to see if you have learned the fundamentals of the AP class that you decided to enroll yourself in. Nothing fancy, just a test. It also doubles as a way to drive students insane.
33. I’m bored and it’s the end of the year. Should I take the AP test?
Yeah, why the fudge not? You really have nothing to lose except your future. Nothing is really lost by taking an AP test; in fact, colleges will look just to see that you took an AP test. It shows that you are eager to learn and they want people that want knowledge.
34. Do I have to take the AP test?
Nope. It’s entirely up to you. But logic dictates that if you took an AP course, you should take the AP test... unless you have somehow damaged the logic-core of your brain while trying to open a box of pudding pops.
35. What kind of pen should I use?
Pen? You should use a quill and ink. Preferably a goose feather and octopus ink. Any ballpoint pen is acceptable on the essays- as long as it's blue or black ink. Also, make sure to use a #2 pencil. Not a #2.5 or a #3, or (if you are crazy) a piece of graphite.
36. I got so much stuff at home. Lucky charms and such. What can I bring to the test?
You can bring pen, pencil, calculator (if needed), a watch to keep time and that’s about it. And maybe a lucky charm, such as maybe a chapter outline... heh, or maybe a stuffed animal. Not much is allowed, such as food and drink. Imagine downing a bag of pop rocks and a root beer during a test. Lucky charms aren’t allowed.
37. How much time should I study?
Again, this depends on you as an organic life form. If you can absorb knowledge like a sponge and have a photographic memory, then I suggest read the chapter once. If you are like a lot of people that require multiple passes at a chapter and other materials, then take about 30 to 60 minutes to study per day. They don’t have to be consecutive. Just make sure that you take it in pieces.
38. I got things to do. I got to get to an important “appointment” this afternoon. How long will this thing take?
The test could take awhile, so you may want to change your “appointment”. If you have a morning test, no problem: you’ll be out when school gets out. If you have an afternoon test... oh boy... you will be there for an extra hour or so after school.
39. I just encountered some lamesters who provided me with $40 and some cotton candy. Should I spend that money on a study guide?
Don’t buy a study guide. Those are books that are made to help you go in deeper into what you have already learned. They serve to make your life more confusing. Reading a chapter outline will suit you fine.
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They most definitely will, if you give it to them. Also, if you are a junior or a senior, they will automatically forward your score to them if you checked the box marked “colleges you wish to apply to”. You can always choose not to let them see it by simply checking the box corresponding with not sending the score.
41. I spent my last $30 on cotton candy. Can I still afford to take this test by the time the wackiness stops?
That all depends, you lamester. Some schools have a program that allows you to take the test for free. If your school doesn’t have this program, then it can cost in the range of about $70.
42. What is the best method of study?
Difficult question there, Copernicus. It all depends on you. Are you a group learner? Do you need to take notes? Is reading all you need to do? What do you prefer to do? Answer those and you’ll know.
43. Should I have a study group?
If you are some sort of insane antisocial vigilante, I would say no... but if you aren’t antisocial, then a group is a good thing. It helps everyone stay motivated. Plus, everyone brings some different knowledge to the table.
44. How will I receive my score?
Well, let's see. You can have it flown in via carrier pigeon or you can do it the easy way and wait for it to come in the mail. Or you can call the hotline after the posted date to get your score early.
45. When do I take the test?
Easy question. All AP tests are taken in the month of May, all over the U.S.A.
46. Where will I be taking the test?
This all depends on your school. You may take it in the library or some similarly quiet location. Or perhaps you may be moved to a predetermined location like another building.
47. Am I given a break?
Yes, you are given a break. Right after you finish the life draining series of multiple-choice questions. It lasts about 15 minutes. Just enough time to gather your thoughts and prepare for the literary onslaught that is 3 essays.
48. What is a Deebeeq? Is that something from Star Wars?
It’s a DBQ (a Document Based Question) and it’s not from Star Wars. It’s a form of essay that requires no prior knowledge (but prior knowledge always helps). It gives you a bunch of info and a prompt; it is up to you to defend your response with the information given.
49. What is a free-response essay?
Simply put, it’s a prompt you get and you answer it as best as you can. You have to respond to one from among 3 free-response choices per section.
50. How many free-responses are there?
Like I just said... (you weren’t listening). 3 for each section and there are 2 sections. You choose one from each section.
51. How many questions are on the multiple-choice test?
Each test varies in amount of questions; it is safe to say it’s in the 60 - 80 range. No more or less.
52. What are the multiple-choice questions like? Do they hurt much?
You better believe they hurt; it’s like a thousand small little daggers poking through your body. They can range from an art question, or a map, or simply putting down what happened and when. It all depends on what kind of class you are taking.
53. Can I relax after the AP test is over?
Yeah, you don’t have to worry about the test anymore. But now you have to worry about the final... mwhahahaha! Your danger awaits, but for the most part, you can relax. Until the final!!! MWHAHAHA! (Unless you are exempt. Refer back to #25).
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