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After enduring a 3-week Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) testing marathon and watching my friends scramble to earn those last few college credits, I have gained a new insight into the world of AP and IB curriculum: Don't do it just for fun. If you are going to invest the amount of time and effort necessary to be successful in an AP or IB course, make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. It seems that with the growing presence of these honor programs in the high school system, the focus of such courses has shifted away from learning advanced material to earning sophomore standing. I've seen too many of my friends in May stooped over 3-hour exams after crash-course studying for 20 hours just so they will be able to opt out of one more college class. Now, parents, I know what you're thinking. "Are you kidding me? I want my kid to get as many of those credits as possible! That's going to save me some big bucks, and maybe now I can pay for college and still retire before I'm 100." I definitely understand this rationale, and there is no way for me to argue against the monetary savings. Yet, I think that most parents can agree that college was one of the most unique, memorable and developmentally important years of their life. Most look back on their college days in happy reminiscence, remembering a period in their life that was not only their most educational but the most enriching as well. So, my feeling is that parents shouldn't deprive their teens of the same experience. AP and IB credit should be used to enhance a college education, not to shortchange it. By using the credit to get those introductory courses with 500 students out of the way in your first year, you have the ability to probe deeper into a subject with a much smaller and more dedicated group of students. This is where the college experience lies: going beyond the surface level material taught at the high school level and developing close, nurturing relationships with your professors and peers. Before rushing out to buy the AP prep books, make sure you are doing it to become a scholar, not a sophomore. Don't let AP and IB courses interfere with your education. You have your whole life to work, especially if you plan to send your own kids to college. Rajiv Bhuta graduated last month from Troy High School in Fullerton. For Letters please go to: ocfamily.com |
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