Advanced Placement v. Honors - another common question

A big question that parents and students often ask:  Is it better to get a B in Advanced Placement World History or an A in Honors World History? 

If you ask a college admissions officer that question, you will not get an answer.  On a panel, one expert sarcastically answered, “It is better to get an A in Advanced Placement World History.”  If it was that simple, we wouldn’t be asking these questions.

I will attempt to help you answer the Advanced Placement v. Honors question for your child:

“Weighted” – The B in AP World History will be weighted as a 4.0 (an A in AP would be a 5.0) in most school districts.  The A in Honors World History will be weighted as a 4.5.  Weighting varies in many private schools.

“Unweighted” – The B in AP World History is a 3.0.  The A in Honors World History is a 4.0.

“College Credit” – AP students who score at level 3, 4, or 5 on the AP test can earn college credit.  There is no such opportunity for Honors students.  The most selective colleges expect students to take the most rigorous courses available at their school. 

“Experience” – Schools often have their most dynamic and experienced teachers in Advanced Placement classrooms.  Even if the same teacher handles both AP WH and Honors WH, the students in the AP class will be more serious about achievement.  Is the AP teacher good at what he or she does?  Has the teacher participated in AP workshops?  Do they have a track record of success when compared to state and national AP averages?  For example, the national average for AP World History students scoring at level 3, 4, and 5 was 56.2% in 2018.  How did your AP World History teacher’s students do last year? 

“Workload” – Most AP teachers will tell you that their AP classes are more demanding than freshman level college classes.  Typically, AP students will cover more material and write more than Dual Enrollment students.  Can your ninth or tenth grade child handle this workload?  Can they handle the stress?  What if your child excels in the class, but earns a Level 1 or 2 on the AP test?  Was it worth the work? 

There are many other factors to consider.

How many AP classes are available to your child?  How many can they handle?  What are your child’s goals?  What does their after-school life look like?  Does your child like History or do they prefer Math or Science?  Is a mix of some AP and some Honors appropriate?   

The answer to the big question varies from student to student and family to family.  If you really want an answer, come sit down with Mike at Student First Educational Consulting.  He will help you make a plan.