Many students take Advanced Placement or AP courses in high school as a way to prepare for college, boost their transcripts, and strengthen their applications. These courses are more rigorous than traditional high school classes and often require more time for studying and coursework. It is important that students create a healthy balance and don’t overload their schedules with higher-level courses.

  • Choose courses carefully.

Encourage your child not to take multiple AP courses just because they can. Consider starting with one and seeing how they like it and how well they do. Look at the courses that are available and select one or two that align with their strengths and interests. If science isn’t a subject they are particularly passionate about, AP Chemistry or AP Physics might not be the best choice. On the other hand, if they love history or English, these courses could be a better fit.

  • Take courses for the right reasons.

Loading up their schedule with AP courses might seem like a good idea for applying to college and getting ahead, but remember that schools look at more than just coursework. They also take extracurriculars and volunteer work into consideration. If your child excels in a particular area and wants or needs to be challenged, an advanced course may provide them that stimulation. If they are doing it purely to boost their transcript, that may not be the right motivation for them to succeed.

  • Be realistic with scheduling.

Remember that AP courses require a greater time commitment. Taking multiple AP classes at once can be overwhelming. Strive to create a good balance between advanced courses, traditional courses, and extracurriculars. Make sure your child has time for sports, music, dance, art, or other activities that they enjoy. They need this break and something to look forward to other than homework so they don’t become burned out. It is also good for them to pursue different interests to cultivate a variety of skills and become more well-rounded.

  • Build strong foundational skills.

To be more successful with managing AP classes, support your child in building essential skills such as time management, organization, note taking, studying, and test prep. Help them find strategies that work for them and help them stay on top of their assignments and understand the content.

  • Ask for help.

AP courses can be challenging, and they are supposed to be. But that doesn’t mean that students can’t be successful. Working with a tutor can help your child to learn the skills necessary to manage advanced level coursework and master key concepts. A tutor can present information in a different way, equip them with diverse tools and strategies, and reinforce important content.

If your child is taking AP courses this year, be proactive in setting up a support system to help them balance the demands of their schedule and use their time more effectively. Tutoring from Crafting Scholars can help them feel more confident in their abilities and maximize their potential. Reserve your child’s spot today!