A good chunk of students at Chapman are in some sort of advanced class and for good reason. AP and dual-credit classes offer high schoolers the opportunity to earn college credit, and honors classes prepare students for more rigorous classes.

The three types of advanced classes are honors, Advanced Placement or AP, and dual-credit courses. Honors classes are just a step above normal college prep classes, while AP and dual credit are as difficult as college courses.

Having three different levels of advanced classes offers students the flexibility to choose the perfect difficulty level for themselves. Some students may not be ready for the difficulty of AP or dual-credit courses but still want to challenge themselves. They could take an honors class instead so they don’t burn themselves out.

Advanced classes reflect favorably on GPAs and high school transcripts, as weighted grading gives an added 0.5 point on the honors scale and an added 1.0 point on the AP and dual credit scale. This means that a GPA score of 90 in a college prep class is equivalent to an 85 in an honors class or an 80 in an AP or dual-credit class.

The main incentive for taking an AP or dual credit class is the college credit that you can earn. The majority of colleges, including out-of-state colleges, will usually accept AP test scores between three and five for college hours, while dual credit is usually only accepted by colleges within the state.

Advanced classes can also help your high school transcript stand out to college admissions officers. The courses look good on transcripts, as they prove to college admission officers that you can handle the rigorous coursework required to earn a degree and showcase your dedication and effort in keeping your grades up in a challenging class.

Proof of the success from taking advanced classes can be seen in the results of the SURGE program that happened throughout middle school when middle school students had the opportunity to earn high school credits.

Taking advanced classes freed up their schedules to take other classes like electives when they entered Chapman. Because of these advanced classes, I started freshman year in English 2 Honors and Algebra 3 Honors/Pre-Calculus Honors, with seven of the 24 credits required to graduate high school.

Advanced classes are very beneficial for students and their futures. Consider the upsides the next time you have an IGP meeting.