‘A’ in a regular class or ‘B’ in an AP class... which is better?

A debate as old as time. Students, parents (and, let’s face it—admissions officers) have been scratching their heads over the conundrum for decades: does it look better for a student to ace an easier class or get a B in a harder class? Which is more appealing for college admissions? Let’s break the options down into a format we’re all familiar with.

A) Get an A in a regular class

B) Get a B in an AP or honors class

C) Get an A in an AP or honors class

D) Take only hard classes, regardless of the grades you get.

The correct answer is (🥁🥁🥁)...C! Get an A in an AP or honors class.

You might be thinking to yourself, that is a non-answer…why am I even wasting my time reading this?

Though it may be a hard pill to swallow (pun intended), the question of “B in an AP class or A in a regular class?” is, in and of itself, flawed because it suggests students should take advanced classes even if they go against their skills and interests, or, worse, that even if they do take advanced classes they’re interested in, they won’t be able to get an A. But colleges want to see rigor. It is extremely important to them that applicants push themselves in high school. A high GPA is impressive until the transcript reveals it is only comprised of regular classes that don’t require as much effort or skill. A high GPA with honors and AP classes mixed in, however—now that is impressive.

So, how do you take an AP or honors class and get that ever-elusive ‘A’?

Choose the right advanced class(es). Bamboozled by biology? Flummoxed by physics? Then those might not be the best-advanced courses for you. Instead, play to your strengths. Which subjects are you best at and/or most interested in? How much time do you have each week to commit to AP/honors homework? Choosing advanced classes wisely is like choosing college courses wisely—hopefully, you’ll pursue a major and a career path that is in alignment with your skills and interests. It won’t be easy, but it will be right for you. That’s what taking the right advanced classes is like.

Actively take notes, don’t just listen or idly scrawl in class. This is one of the most important differences between regular classes and advanced classes. You’re not a sponge! You won’t absorb the information effortlessly, so write it down in your notebook, type it into your laptop doc, or chisel it into a stone tablet—it doesn’t matter, just make sure you have a record. Bullet points are your friend, and so are highlighters.

Get organized. Remember those notes I advised you to write down? Well, you need a system for accessing them reliably later. Make sure your notes are headed by dates, subjects/topics, and spaced in a way that makes them comprehensible. When I was in college, I used to draw a line down the middle of my notebook and take in-class notes on the left side. They were messy, hastily taken notes jotted down as fast as my instructor could speak. Then, at home, I would transcribe the notes onto the right side of my notebook by reading through them all and determining what was important and how to best outline the information. I would neatly copy the important information onto the right side. Evaluating the in-class notes day of and determining which information was important was not only a way to ensure I had useful, readable notes, but it also ensured I studied the course materials along the way! AP tests are not to be crammed for, so create a consistent study routine and stick to it.

Those who fall behind get left behind. Sorry for the harsh truth, but AP classes are faster-paced than regular high school classes. If you are sick or miss class for some reason, it's important you make plans to get caught up ASAP. Communicate with your teacher promptly to see if they can offer any assistance or extensions, and meet with a friend or tutor to help you get back on track.

The AP test matters. Getting an A in your AP class is one thing, but acing an AP class while getting a 4 or 5 on the AP exam is another. Colleges want to see AP scores because they corroborate the letter grade you receive in the class. They prove that your A- in Mr. Griswald’s APUSH class in Virginia means the same thing as an A- in Ms. Norbury’s APUSH class in Illinois. They also provide more data to the admissions officers who, these days, have to get by on less data from kids who don’t submit ACT or SAT scores. While some AP teachers shift their course focus towards the AP exam in the weeks leading up to the May test, many don’t because there is simply too much material left to cover, and they’re trying to squeeze it all in. Be sure to start studying for your AP tests 8-12 weeks in advance by doing a little work independent of class each week. Reviewing an entire year’s or semester’s worth of material takes time! Whether to aid in your admissions goals or earn college credit, AP exam scores should be leveraged to your advantage!

Nervous about reaching your goal grade in your AP or advanced class? With Kay, there is a way to get an 'A. Advanced classes challenge you, expand your knowledge and skills, prepare you for the rigor of college, and increase your admissions odds. Focused, guided study with a tutor is one way to ensure you reach your maximum potential in an advanced course.

If you’re thinking to yourself, I shouldn’t need a tutor or needing a tutor means I’m dumb…stop right there! Utilizing a tutor is nothing to be ashamed of—it’s wisely using the resources available to you. One-on-one instruction simply ensures that your learning is maximized via your unique learning style. As George Evans said, “Every child can learn, just not in the same way or on the same day.” It is difficult for students to maximize their potential when their teacher’s attention is split between 15-34 kids at once (to no fault of their own). It is also unfair for teachers to sacrifice all of their free time working with students one-on-one outside of class. While independent study or group sessions with peers can be helpful, one-on-one instruction with someone who is a master of the subject area will help you understand the content at its most nuanced level, leading to your goal scores and a competitive college application.

That’s where we come in. Because with Kay, there is a way.