**The media below contains the opinion of an individual student and therefore does not represent or speak to the values of Vestavia Hills High School and Vestavia Hills City Schools**
As course selection at VHHS rapidly approaches, many students are experiencing the stress of picking the classes that they will spend an entire year in next year. The truth is, students at our school tend to put way too much stress on themselves, taking many more AP classes and honors classes than needed.
Knowing that the stress of trying to decide both which AP classes to take and how many can feel very overwhelming, I asked current AP students for their input on the AP classes that the school offers:
For AP Science Courses:
AP Biology- Many students warn that the content is difficult, but the class definitely prepares you for the exam. Regardless, many students enjoyed the class due to its laid back nature, fun environment, and enthusiastic teacher. It is important to enjoy the content if you are going to take this class.
AP Environmental- Students warn that the class can be stressful sometimes, but it offers a lot of fun learning activities . Additionally, one student stated that if you are interested in the material, it is definitely worth taking.
AP Chem- Students warn to not take this class unless it is your passion. Additionally, to not take the class unless you have taken honors Chemistry before, because the jump is hard. Students say that as long as you prioritize the class and put in the effort, the teacher will do the rest.
For AP English Courses:
AP Lang- Students had overwhelming amounts of good things to say about the class. They all discussed the relationship that the teacher forms with every student, and how that relationship created a positive environment and a great learning space. A couple of students, however, warn that you will only improve in the class if you truly apply yourself and are willing to put in the effort to get better. This class is not an easy grade on the final exam if you don’t work for it.
AP Lit- Students who took this class after taking both honors English 11 and AP Lang have high remarks for this class. They state that the teacher is incredible and that she has a very unique form of teaching that makes the class enjoyable. Many students warn that putting in work is essential for success in the class, but the majority of students followed these remarks by saying that they are learning a lot in the class and they are enjoying what they are learning, they feel ready for the exam.
For AP Social Studies Courses:
AP World History- Students say that this class gave them a lot of information to build off of in their future history classes, and that the teacher taught a lot. As long as you apply yourself, you will learn. Students believe that everything that they learned in that class can be applied to day to day life.
AP US History- Students really enjoyed this class. They believe that the speed and rigor of the class were just right and that they were prepared for the exam. The teacher taught them a lot and it is still applicable in many of the classes they are in. The stress level was average as long as you keep up with the workload
AP Gov- Students who enjoyed history in the past tended to really enjoy this class. The teacher is said to be fun and really engaging, and the information is not hard to understand.
AP Microeconomics- Students believed that the content in this class was extremely difficult. Because of the content, many students struggled and felt as though they were behind. Students who grasped the material enjoyed the class.
AP Macroeconomics- These reviews are likely skewed because students have only just started the class. They believe that the course and material is interesting, but good attendance is essential to understanding the course.
AP Comparative Government- The teacher is very good at what he does and that the content of the class is very interesting.
AP Psychology- Students believe that this class is very enjoyable and the information that they are learning is very interesting. Students did well in the class and enjoyed the teacher.
For AP Math Classes:
AP Computer Science- Students enjoy the class and the pace that it is taught at. Students find the class to be interesting and they are doing well.
AP Calculus AB - Students say a good rule of thumb is: if you feel ready to take AB then take AB, and if you don't, take honors.
AP Calculus BC Students who felt prepared for this class are truly enjoying it. They say that the teacher is very good at what she does and that she is very helpful. She forms a bond with the students and the class is overall very enjoyable, despite being difficult at times.
AP Statistics- Students really enjoyed this class for the teacher and its content, and are overall succeeding in it. One student says that the hardest part about the class is that you have to be diligent in your work.
For AP Language Classes:
AP Spanish- Most students say they are learning a lot from the course and they truly feel as though they are improving. The teacher is also very good at what she does, and she does a good job at forming connections with her students.
AP French- Students love this class and the teacher. The class allows you to take risks in the language and still succeed. Students believe that it is a good class to take if you want to continue French, but you should expect a difficult class unless you are already fluent.
AP Latin- The class is said to be a lot of work and difficult at times, but students are prepared well for the exam and the class is generally very gratifying.
For AP Electives:
AP Art- This class allows students to explore their artistic talent, and requires dedication in and outside of class. Regardless, students enjoy the class and find themselves succeeding and learning. They enjoy the environment and the teacher despite its fast paced nature.
Underclassmen, please take these reviews with a grain of salt, but also remember not to push yourselves too hard. Take the classes that interest you, but don't overwork yourself. Good luck on course selection everyone!!!
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