If you are wondering whether to take an AP class or not, then you are definitely not alone–many high school students have the same question.

An AP class is a college prep class and demands more effort and definitely more work than usual. In an AP class you are expected to do summer work most of the time which will prepare you for the beginning of the year. You are to stay on task and be very organized because the teacher will assume you know what you are doing for the next two weeks; usually you are given a calendar ahead of time to know what you are to be doing. That way you have the ability to go ahead and not feel crammed with work.

In regular classes you are definitely expected to do work, but for the most part you are doing most of it in class and if you do not complete the work you are to take it home and finish. Also, you are more dependent on your teacher to remind you on what is going as well as staying on the same page as the teacher. Most of the work being done is with your teacher at a slower pace or at least a medium pace. You will not go into depth as much as an AP class would because of the time frame. An average class will stay on the basics and teach as much as possible within the year.

Both AP classes and regular classes have their own advantages, whether you are looking to be more prepared for college or if you are not so fond of the subject, therefore you’d rather just learn the basics. They are both a great way of learning, depending on how you feel about it, and how you are as a person.

An AP class is definitely a class which gives you more responsibilities than usual and takes more time from your day-to-day after school life. It’s really up to you whether you think you already have enough responsibilities or if you want a greater challenge.