3 ms·

I think the increase in AP exams comes down to basic economics. If each test only cost $86 these days and is the equivalent of 3-4 college credits (depending o

by neovive 17y ago

I think the increase in AP exams comes down to basic economics. If each test only cost $86 these days and is the equivalent of 3-4 college credits (depending on the course), passing just one exam is a great savings to the student in both money and time. With tuition costs at even local community colleges ranging from $100-$200 per credit, taking a chance on an AP exam for $86 is a great deal. Students are likely just piling in as many AP classes as possible.

teej 17y ago
> Students are likely just piling in as many AP classes as possible. Motivated students don't even need to take the class. Adding the cost of a $20 (used) test prep book and a chance to fail, the price of an AP is -still- cheaper than Community College. Plus, if you're disadvantaged, I believe you can get a discount on the price. Economically, it just doesn't make sense to do anything but pile on the APs.
ZachPruckowski 17y ago
Schools also subsidize taking the tests, since high rates of AP enrollment have been billed as a metric to measure high schools. At my high school (2001-2005), kids in AP classes got to take the test for free, and also got their grade weighted (so a B+ in an AP was worth the same as an A).
speek 17y ago
As much as AP courses are cost efficient, they're not good enough. The caliber of a good freshman introductory course ranges from school from school, but on the whole they're much better and more interesting than APs. Then again, my argument only really works for people going to school to learn, not to specifically get a degree.
- ZachPruckowski 17y ago
  Even if you're going to school for a degree, APs are frequently insufficient preparation. They're sufficient for "get rid of my liberal arts requirements", but if you plan on taking a higher level course because you AP'd out of the prerequisite, you could have problems. A lot of classes in college build on their prerequisites, and assume you know them cold. If your only calculus experience is the practice tests out of the AP book, even if you got a 5, multi-variable will kick your butt. If your only economics knowledge comes from a Barrons AP review book, you'll be behind in your banking class. Passing the test is necessary, but not sufficient, proof that you learned the material. If your AP test wasn't backed up by a hard class, plan on studying extra your first semester.
  - neovive 17y ago
    Very true. Certain AP classes, such as History, English and other AP courses that fill in elective credits should be fine for most. However, if you plan on majoring in a subject area that requires in-depth knowledge of specific material (e.g. Calculus for CS, Econ or Math majors), you should still be required to take the intro Calculus course or at least pass a math placement exam prepared by the college.
- mattmcknight 17y ago
  It's not a zero sum game here. If you test out of the 101 level course in lets say, American History, you are at many schools avoiding the large 100+ person auditorium style class which is not much more interactive than one you could watch on TV. In return, you can then take the succeeding courses, which are likely smaller and limited to students with an interest in that subject as opposed to extra-departmental students meeting a liberal arts requirement.

by neovive 17y ago

teej 17y ago

> Students are likely just piling in as many AP classes as possible. Motivated students don't even need to take the class. Adding the cost of a $20 (used) test prep book and a chance to fail, the price of an AP is -still- cheaper than Community College. Plus, if you're disadvantaged, I believe you can get a discount on the price. Economically, it just doesn't make sense to do anything but pile on the APs.

ZachPruckowski 17y ago

Schools also subsidize taking the tests, since high rates of AP enrollment have been billed as a metric to measure high schools. At my high school (2001-2005), kids in AP classes got to take the test for free, and also got their grade weighted (so a B+ in an AP was worth the same as an A).

speek 17y ago

As much as AP courses are cost efficient, they're not good enough. The caliber of a good freshman introductory course ranges from school from school, but on the whole they're much better and more interesting than APs. Then again, my argument only really works for people going to school to learn, not to specifically get a degree.

ZachPruckowski 17y ago
Even if you're going to school for a degree, APs are frequently insufficient preparation. They're sufficient for "get rid of my liberal arts requirements", but if you plan on taking a higher level course because you AP'd out of the prerequisite, you could have problems. A lot of classes in college build on their prerequisites, and assume you know them cold. If your only calculus experience is the practice tests out of the AP book, even if you got a 5, multi-variable will kick your butt. If your only economics knowledge comes from a Barrons AP review book, you'll be behind in your banking class. Passing the test is necessary, but not sufficient, proof that you learned the material. If your AP test wasn't backed up by a hard class, plan on studying extra your first semester.
- neovive 17y ago
  Very true. Certain AP classes, such as History, English and other AP courses that fill in elective credits should be fine for most. However, if you plan on majoring in a subject area that requires in-depth knowledge of specific material (e.g. Calculus for CS, Econ or Math majors), you should still be required to take the intro Calculus course or at least pass a math placement exam prepared by the college.
mattmcknight 17y ago
It's not a zero sum game here. If you test out of the 101 level course in lets say, American History, you are at many schools avoiding the large 100+ person auditorium style class which is not much more interactive than one you could watch on TV. In return, you can then take the succeeding courses, which are likely smaller and limited to students with an interest in that subject as opposed to extra-departmental students meeting a liberal arts requirement.