Taking AP Classes as a Freshman or Sophomore

Key Takeaways

• Taking early AP classes can help build confidence and skills

• Early AP classes are NOT essential for college success

• Workload can become an issue

• Start small and choose subjects that match your interests and strengths

Introduction: Why Students Consider Early AP Classes

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college level courses that are offered in high school. Created by the College Board (opens in a new tab), they enable students to explore subjects in greater depth. In some cases, they can also allow students to earn university credit.

Ambitious students who are high academic achievers sometimes consider taking AP classes as freshmen or sophomores. This is to help them gain a competitive edge when it comes to university applications, to get a head start on college preparation or to give their GPA a boost. 

This article will break down the benefits and challenges posed by early AP enrollment and supply you with some smart strategies to enable you to make it work. 

Are You Ready for AP Classes Early in High School?

Before signing up to any AP classes, you should ask yourself these key questions:

• Do you have strong grades in your current core subjects (English, math, science?)

• Have your teachers suggested or advised you to take AP classes early?

• Are you self-motivated?

• Are you willing to ask for help when needed?

• Can you dedicate an extra 1 to 1.5 extra hours per day to study and homework?

• Does your school have strong AP teachers and tutoring options?

• Will you have the time after extracurricular activities such as sports to complete the extra study?

If you answered ‘yes’ to most of these questions, then it is likely that you are able to handle one carefully chosen early AP class.

Best AP Classes for Freshmen and Sophomores

AP Human Geography

• Why it’s good: Global in scope and based in broad concepts, so doesn’t require advanced maths or lab skills

• Skills gained: Essay writing and data analysis from graphs, maps and models

AP Environmental Science

• Why it’s good: Links the subjects of biology, chemistry and geography but doesn’t require advanced math

• Skills gained: Scientific report writing and data analysis

AP Psychology

• Why it’s good: Fascinating content that helps us understand ourselves, our relationships and everyday behaviour

• Skills gained: An understanding of research methods that prepare for a host of STEM or social science subjects

AP Computer Science Principles

• Why it’s good: Problem-solving combines with creativity as well as basic coding

• Skills gained: Computational thinking, data analysis, independent and teamwork

AP World History (for 10th graders)

• Why it’s good: Understanding and insights that are ideal preparation for later APs like US History or Government

• Skills gained: Essay writing, argumentation and synthesis

Benefits of Taking AP Classes Early

Skill Development

• Learn and develop a host of skills that will prepare you for college life

• Test and improve your ability to work independently and to manage your time

Confidence and Momentum

• Successfully completing an AP course can boost confidence and increase self-esteem

College Planning and Future Course

• By completing an AP early, you can free up your junior and senior schedule to allow you to take higher-level APs

Challenges and Risks to Consider

The key thing is to avoid overloading yourself. Challenging yourself is great, but it can be a tricky thing to balance.

• Workload: The reading, essays and exam preparation required by taking demanding AP classes early can lead to stress and burnout and could actually lead to lower grades

• Less Flexibility: If your schedule is too crowded, you will not have the freedom to explore areas and topics that fire your curiosity 

Tips for Success in Early AP Classes

• Choose quality over quantity: One strong AP is more valuable, satisfying and better for your mental health and confidence than three poorly managed ones

• Have a consistent approach: Don’t wait to cram at the end of the course, Instead, schedule in 30 minutes of AP study a night for every AP subject.

• Continuous communication with teachers: Let your teachers know that you're balancing a heavy workload and ask them for progress reports and insights on upcoming assignments

• Avoid burnout: As well as study, schedule in blocks of downtime that take you completely away from books and study. If you start to feel overwhelmed, talk to your teachers or school counsellor.

Sample AP Pathways: Planning Ahead

Early APs can fit into balanced high school schedules in a number of different ways. Here are some examples: 

Option 1: Light but Early Start

Option 2: STEM-Focused Path

Option 3: Humanities Track

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Impressive to Take AP Classes as a Freshman?

Yes, but not at the expense of your grades. Colleges prefer to see that you have challenged yourself rather than overloaded yourself. Success and balance matter.

What Happens If I Do Poorly in an AP Class Early On?

It’s not a disaster! It’s a learning experience and you can bounce back stronger with the lessons you learned about your study habits. It is not unusual to see students perform dramatically better in later APs.

Can I Take the AP Exam Without Taking the Class?

Yes, you can. However, it is far more difficult without teacher support and preparation. This should only be considered if you are both highly disciplined and passionate about a subject and have excellent existing subject knowledge. 

Should I Take Multiple APs in Sophomore Year?

Two APs in 10th grade is not unreasonable, especially if you did well studying one as a freshman. However, it will be a dramatic increase in demands on you, so watch out for burnout. 

Final Thoughts

Taking early AP classes can build confidence, prove your abilities, and explore academic areas of interest. However, your academic career is not a race and the risks of burnout and feeling overwhelmed are real and can lead to lower grades.

Start with one carefully chosen subject and ensure to schedule in regular extra study time for it. Being ambitious and wanting to challenge yourself is very admirable, but it should not come at the expense of your mental health.