AP Classes for Sophomores?

This spring, Sandwich High School opened enrollment for Advanced Placement courses to sophomores. Previously, AP courses were only open to juniors and seniors because of the courses’ reputation of a precociously labored, independent learning environment that offer students opportunities to experience what a typical college course entails.

School counselor Ms. Carroll states that AP students are motivated and committed students, willing to take challenges: “With a wide variety of courses being offered, it’s imperative that a student takes a course that they will understand and will handle the workload given.”

After hearing positive recommendations, Sophomore Alex Birch decided to sign up for AP Psychology next year. Her motives were a desire for challenge and a college-like experience. Two of her main concerns were workload and unfamiliarity, which are common feelings many sophomores face.

AP English instructor Mr. Schermerhorn states that the key to success in an AP class is receiving constructive criticism well and being open to change their writing. He has found that many students share the attitude that their work is nearly perfect, then receive their first test back and are devastated and/or insulted by a low grade. “APs require a more focused effort,” he states. “They must make the teacher think and be ahead of the game.”

The option for sophomores to take AP classes is to create more opportunities for students. They will still be expected to complete the same work as upperclassmen, so they must be willing to accept the challenge and work hard.

My personal opinion is that this opportunity may not prove to be beneficial for sophomores. Advanced Placement classes can be very hard to manage as juniors and seniors, so to conclude that sophomores may feel extra pressure when working along side upperclassmen would not be far-fetched.

Without the ability to change their academic capabilities, a student may have trouble succeeding in a challenging course. They must be willing to put in the time and effort.

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