Real talk: If you want to get into your dream college, you've got to start prepping in high school. Whether you dream of enrolling in an Ivy League school or are dying to attend your local state or community college, you want to do all you can to get into your favorite school.
You probably already know that you need to get good grades and rack up some extracurricular activities. But we're going to let you in on a little secret: Picking the right classes in high school also makes a difference.
Having Honors classes or advanced placement (AP) classes on your transcript is always a good look, and it's sure to impress admissions counselors and college boards. Honors and AP are advanced courses a high school offers to give you a more rigorous education than the standard curriculum.
When you sign up for these types of classes, you're showing college admissions committees that you're dedicated to learning and motivated to go the extra mile. And depending on your grade point average, you're also proving your academic prowess. You may even get a headstart in your college credits.
But exactly what is the difference between Honors and AP, and which option is right for you? Keep reading to find out.
What are Honors classes?
Honors classes offer advanced coursework that's tougher than the regular classes high school students normally take. They cover the same basic material but go more in-depth into the topics and can come with bigger course loads.
Are you up to it? If you're not sure, a look at the pros and cons of Honors classes can help you figure out if they're right for you.
Honors course pros
Let's start with the good stuff. As we said in the intro, Honors classes can look great on your high school transcript, which can help you get into your favorite college or university. However, they have other benefits too. Here are some of the highlights:
- Boost your GPA. An Honors course is usually weighted more heavily, which can boost your GPA by up to half a point.
- Become a better student. The rigor of an Honors class is a great way to improve your study skills. You can learn better time management, for instance, and master test-taking strategies.
- Improve your confidence. Once you've taken an Honors class or two, you'll likely approach your schoolwork with greater confidence.
Honors course cons
Honors classes aren't for everybody. There are drawbacks, too. Let's talk about some of the cons:
- More intense workload. Since Honors classes are more intensive, they also usually require more work. Honors classes usually mean more homework assignments, essays, quizzes, tests, and projects.
- More time is required. Due to the higher demands they place on students, Honors classes also take up more time. If you're already struggling to juggle school plus extracurriculars, Honors classes may not be for you.
What are AP classes?
Wondering, "Which is harder, AP or Honors?" AP classes are like Honors classes on steroids. They're typically harder and even more intense than regular courses in high school. This is because AP courses are designed to provide college-level training. In addition to taking AP courses, students can take AP exams. If you score high enough on an AP exam, you may be able to get college credit.
AP course pros
If you're already uncertain about taking an Honors class, why should you consider taking a class that's even more difficult? Again, like Honors classes, AP coursework can make your transcript shine bright - like a diamond! (Sorry, we had to give Rihanna a nod!)
But AP courses have other benefits, too:
- Boost your GPA even more. AP courses can boost your GPA even more than Honors courses. You can get up to a full additional point if you do well.
- Get college credit. An AP class can't go toward college credit. But if you take the AP exam and do well enough, you might be able to get credit. Learn all about AP exam scores and how they can count toward college credit.
- Get college-ready. AP courses can prepare you for college-level courses and even make you more likely to get into top schools like Harvard and Yale. The average student attending these top colleges has taken mostly AP courses in each year of high school.
AP course cons
Okay, let's get to the bad stuff. First, as you've probably already guessed, AP courses are hard! Expect more work and more stress. Here are some other cons to consider:
- No guarantees on the exam. You could take a full year of AP coursework and still flunk the exam. That means you won't get any college credit. The class will still look great on your transcript, though!
- Limited availability. Different schools have different curriculums, and AP classes aren't available in all high schools. You might find that your school doesn't offer any AP classes or doesn't offer the kinds you're interested in taking.
What are the key differences between Honors and AP classes?
Honors classes and AP courses both offer a more rigorous education than your standard high school class. However, there are differences between the two. Here's a quick rundown:
- Intensity. AP courses are designed to be as rigorous as a college course. For this reason, they're usually even tougher than Honors-level classes and taught at a faster pace. That said, if you have a super tough Honors teacher, you might find that your Honors class is just as challenging as your AP class!
- Availability. Honors classes are usually more readily available at high schools. In contrast, AP courses may not be as easy to find. While some schools have comprehensive AP class programs, others may have only a few classes - or none at all.
- College credit opportunity. Like we said, AP courses alone can't count for college credit. However, AP students with great test scores may get college credit. Honors courses can't count toward college credits in the same way.
- Curriculum. The curriculum for Honors classes is designed by the relevant teacher at your high school. However, the AP curriculum is more standardized nationwide for AP teachers and students. This is because all students need to learn the same essential information to prepare for the standardized AP exams.
- Weighted grading. Both Honors classes and AP classes are weighted more heavily than standard high school classes. However, AP classes can boost your GPA by an entire point, while Honors classes can only boost your GPA by half a point.
What to expect in Honors and AP classes
Whether it's an Honors course or an advanced placement course, you might be wondering what to expect if you enroll in advanced classes. The practicalities are the same: If you enroll in an Honors or AP program at your school, it's just like attending any other class there.
However, you may find that the coursework is more challenging. You could have more complex projects, more reading and essay writing, and more intense tests to complete - similar to what college students may do to pass their college classes. There may also be more pressure to participate in class.
Since these types of courses tend to have a heavier workload, you may need to work on your time management skills. To stay on top of everything, create a self-study schedule to map out when you'll do your assignments and prepare for tests.
Honors vs. pre-AP courses
While Honors classes provide advanced high school coursework, pre-AP classes prepare students for the rigors of AP courses. They focus on building critical thinking, analytical skills, and a strong foundation in various subjects. Unlike AP classes, there are no standardized AP tests or exams at the end, but these high school courses can give you the skills and study habits needed to tackle future AP courses and exams.
So, which is better?
Choosing between Honors and pre-AP classes depends on your academic goals and where you want to focus your efforts. Honors classes provide advanced coursework that can boost your GPA and prepare you for college-level subject matter. On the other hand, Pre-AP classes are designed to gear you up specifically for the more rigorous AP courses, focusing on critical thinking and analytical skills.
If you're looking to challenge yourself and enhance your high school transcript, Honors classes might be the way to go. But if your ultimate goal is to get better AP scores and potentially earn college credit in high school, pre-AP classes are a great stepping stone to improve your performance in AP classes. Ultimately, both options offer valuable preparation for your academic future.
Choosing the right path
Higher-level classes have benefits, like looking great on your college applications. But you don't want to jump into an AP or Honors curriculum without careful consideration. How can you know if these courses are appropriate for your level?
First, check if your school has eligibility criteria, like prerequisites you have to complete. Then, do a self-assessment: consider your current grades, strengths and weaknesses, and goals. Talking to school guidance counselors and teachers for pointers is also a good idea.
This can also help you decide which types of courses to take. For example, if you plan to go pre-med in college, AP English Literature isn't necessarily the best use of your time, but AP Biology or AP Chemistry might be!
Plan your next higher education move with College Rover
So, you've taken all those Honors and AP classes. Ready to apply to your dream school? Not even sure what your dream school is? We've got you covered.
College Rover lets you easily compare colleges and universities, with stats covering everything from admission rates to class size. We also have all the resources you need for a killer application, like tips on writing a great statement.
