This time of year is very exciting for most students here at WHBHS, for many reasons. The beginning of the third quarter and the second semester is a promising sign spring and the impending finale of the 2015-16 school year. Obviously however, students cannot begin the next year of their high school career without planning and selecting their upcoming classes.

At WHBHS, students have many choices of classes they can take. Once a student’s core classes are selected, there’s usually room for one or two (sometimes more) electives. Electives tend to be half-year classes worth .5 credit(s). Students usually pick electives that are interesting and appealing to them. It is entirely possible and very popular for students to choose an elective worth one full credit, however, these classes tend to be AP’s or advanced level classes, usually more difficult than most electives, but entirely worth it.

There are many students who take AP classes at WHBHS, and although some may agree that the workload tends to be higher than that of other classes, the pros strongly outweigh the cons. Junior Addison Colbert is taking an AP class this year and next year, and she agrees there are many benefits, she said, “I’m glad that I’m taking an AP course because it’s helping me see what a college level course looks like. I am taking an AP class next year because [next year] I will be a senior and need to start getting prepared for the amount of work I will get in college.”

AP classes offer many benefits to students; some even allow you to rack up college credits while still in high school. Students who are interested in AP classes are urged to give them a try. Junior Emma Youngs is currently enrolled in several AP classes and plans to take three more next year, she says, “The benefit, for me, is getting a taste of college-level classes at a high school pace, getting college credits in high schools and understanding what you really like doing and want to pursue, and eliminating things you don’t want to pursue in the future.”

Although AP classes are extremely beneficial and totally doable for dedicated and hardworking students, they do come with a few conditions. It is important for students to understand that AP classes are higher in difficulty than other classes, and if students are already struggling in a subject, it is probably not a good idea to take it as an AP in the next school year. But if students find themselves succeeding and enjoying a specific class, it is highly encouraged to take it as an AP if it is offered.

There are so many options for students when creating their schedules and picking their classes. It’s important to realize exactly what is being offered and what is available to you when it’s time to sit down and submit your schedule. This way, you will be able to take all of the classes you can hopefully get a good head start whit it comes to college.