Students at Roseville Area High School shared their thoughts on the optional third trimester AP classes offered at their school. Students found that optional third trimester electives in preparation for the AP tests in the spring was helpful for their studying and overall success.
A junior at RAHS, Justin Gutierrez, responds to the value of AP classes. Stating that, “No I don’t think they’re all valuable. Unless it’s making college cheaper. But if you fail the AP test then you did all the work for no reason.”
But other students feel differently. Madison Dargiewicz (11) says, “I think whether you pass the test or not I think colleges like to see that and it shows work ethic and makes your other classes easier.”
Dargiewicz continued by stating that, “I think colleges like to see them (AP classes) and it’s a big factor for them accepting you.”
Most students manage their schoolwork well. They are able to find a balance between their on-level classes and AP classes. RAHS junior, Jack Anderson says, “Once you get into the rhythm a difference is hardly noticeable between AP and normal classes, and often in AP the work is not required for a passing grade.”
On the same note, Dargiewicz shares how she thinks there’s more work in AP’s but not unmanageable. But goes on to say “But I definitely devote a lot more of my time to my AP classes.”
Students find the third and optional trimester of AP classes is only necessary if you need the review and further content. Gutierrez (11) shared that “It depends on the class. Sometimes more practice isn’t helpful for me.” He gave a specific example stating, “I dropped the third trimester of APLAC (AP Language and Composition) because it wasn’t valuable to me. For AP Pre Calc the third trimester is very necessary.”
Some students choose an even more rigorous path. Anderson (11) AP student and PSEO student shares his experiences on how both of these placements affect him. He states, “It definitely makes the work load more. But the quality of the work is the biggest difference. The quantity is about the same.”
