Patch Peer Panel Question of the Week

Curt Walls of Ladue offers up this week's question for our teen panelists. He wants to know if sophomore year is too early to be taking Advanced Placement courses?

Catherine Toman, St. Joseph's Academy

If any particular school takes proper measures (i.e. AP practice tests, AP study sessions) to prepare it students for the test, then I don’t think there’s an issue with academically talented sophomores taking AP classes.

Allison Hermann, St. Joseph's Academy

I do not believe that sophomore year is too soon to take an AP course. The competition for getting into college is getting harder and harder each year. I think that students who start college level courses early will be more prepared and have a better chance for getting into the more prestigious universities.

Sophomores and even freshman are already taking honors classes, so I believe that they have the knowledge to take themselves to the next level and take an AP or ACC course.

Personally, I wish that I had the opportunity to take an AP course when I was a sophomore because I believe that it could have helped my GPA and a better chance of getting into the Universitys that I am trying to get into.

I think schools should start giving sophomores the option to taking an AP course because it will be beneficial for the students later on in their high school and college career.

Curt Walls, Ladue Horton-Watkins

I believe it depends on the type of person you are, because if you are the type to procrastinate and be lazy you shouldn't take it. However, those who are studious may have a better chance at being successful.

My experience in an AP class sophomore year was difficult trying to keep up with the work, but currently my junior year has become a lot easier because of it, which allowed me to now take three AP classes.

Rebecca Antony, MICDS

I think so. As a freshman I think that sophomore year would be the year I actually get comfortable with the high school environment and workload. Taking on AP courses in that year too would just make things more cluttered.

But it depends. If it is a subject that you love, think you are advanced in, and ready to handle the workload for, I say, go for it.

Molly Soto, St. Joseph's Academy

I do not it is too early to take AP courses as a sophomore. Since these classes are a choice I think that if a sophomore wants to take the class, they should be able to. AP classes look really great on college resumes and if the student thinks they are up for the challenge, they should not be held back.

Although I think sophomores should be able to take AP courses, student advisors should talk with them to make sure they are making the right choice and they can handle the class.

Victoria Watson, Villa Duchesne

I don’t think sophomore year is too soon to enroll in AP courses. If a student is willing to put in the extra hours that APs require and enjoys the course subject, then why not? With this said, the student shouldn’t be taking four AP classes their sophomore year.

Moderation and the student’s schedule should be taken into account, yet if the student has the drive to take more advanced courses then why should their year bar them?