Freshmen have already started to get a grasp of what college courses are like by taking AP Biology, the only AP course offered to them. They undergo the luxury of learning more material than a regular course, but in a shorter amount of time. Now, what is the real reason why freshmen are taking AP Biology? Should AP courses even be offered to freshmen?
Four years ago, AP Biology was introduced to the Board of Education as a possible replacement for Biology (Living Environment) Honors. At the time, Biology Honors students were doing similar topics covered in the AP Biology course. According to WHBHS principal Christopher Herr, “We pulled in the AP Biology, took a look at the curriculum, and saw if it matched up with what we’re already doing. The result was that the Biology Honors course aligned nicely with the AP Biology course, so we decided to remove the Bio Honors course, and in its place, put in an AP Biology course, and it has seen some real success.”
There’s always a small percentage of freshmen who take AP Biology. Currently, there are 21 freshmen split up into two sections, with a total of 8.4% of the grade. The course tends to move very quickly, so students have to cover a lot of material on their own. Along with the AP test in May, freshmen AP Biology students have to take the Living Environment/Biology Regents in late June.
AP Biology is considered a “challenge by choice” class, meaning that students can elect to take a higher-level course starting their freshmen year. Along with the AP course, there are a number of support systems implanted to help the freshmen out. In addition to the two period science course, AP Biology students have a 9th period study hall, where they are given the opportunity to ask questions about covered topics. “That [the supports], I think, leads to students finding some success in that class,” stated Mr. Herr. “Our freshmen have done very well, compared to our seniors (taking AP Biology). In some cases, freshmen have outscored our seniors.”
Freshmen tend to take AP Biology for many reasons. The most common responses were that they needed some sort of challenge and that APs look good on college transcripts. “I thought it would be a good challenge for me,” stated sophomore Joey Magro. Sophomore Kimmie Vish said, “I felt like I could handle it and I wanted to challenge myself.” Freshman Genevieve Rappold stated that she’s in AP Biology just “to get it over with now and have more time in college for other things.”
Normally, a small group of freshmen are capable of taking an AP course early on in high school. “That student is coming in from 8th grade, you might want to think twice because you’re coming in, you’re taking a full load of high school courses, and then on top of that, you’re taking one college course. So, are you coming in with the skill sets that you need to be successful?” said Mr. Herr. Incoming freshmen should question their abilities, such as their critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities, before selecting such a high-level course.
Students have mixed opinions on future freshmen who will be taking AP Biology. “It’s a good experience for college and it gets you a step ahead,” said Joey Magro. “I would only advise [students] if science is their favorite subject and if they only have a desire to take it. Don’t let anyone pressure you into it,” stated sophomore Brianna Derevjanik. “If they think that they’re up for the challenge, then sure. If they don’t want to do the work, then don’t take it!” said Kimmie Vish. Freshman Nick Arpino stated, “It depends on how good of a student you are. It’s a lot of work and you have to study every night.”
In the end, is taking AP Biology as a freshman really worth it? For some, it starts to pave the way to their future profession. For others, it was a learning experience. If you really want to take AP Biology, by all means go for it!
