What Pre-AP Is:
Pre-AP offers 12 courses across multiple domains: English, math, science, world history and geography, and the arts. All share a focus on the critical thinking skills that will prepare students for college and careers. All give teachers the ability to customize the courses to meet the needs of their students.
Honors classes and AP classes are completely different from one another in several aspects. The most significant difference between the two is associated with college credit. Understanding the difference and advantages of both of these classes can help you make a more informed decision about which one is better for you.
Pre-AP classes are a fairly new term for classes that are meant to prepare high school students for AP classes (college-level classes taken in high school) as well as college classes themselves. Pre-AP classes are typically taken by high school freshman, but some courses are also meant for sophomores.
Do Pre-AP classes boost GPA? No, Pre-AP classes won't help your GPA because they are not weighted in the way AP classes are (i.e. a “B” in a Pre-AP class doesn't count as an “A”). Pre-AP classes are intended to prepare high school students to take AP classes.
Pre-AP features grade-level instruction intended to give all students the opportunity for growth. Pre-AP offers a focused framework, instructional support, model lessons, classroom assessments, and an optional final exam. Pre-AP focuses on skills that students will need to succeed in AP courses, college, and careers.
Pre-AP classes are typically offered to students in late middle school or early high school, and unlike actual AP courses, they don't provide you with the opportunity to earn college credit or placement advantages. These courses are intended for preparation only.
What Is Pre-AP? Open to all students, Pre-AP is a grade-level program usually taught in grades 9 and 10 though some schools offer these high-school level courses in middle school. Pre-AP courses: Are back-mapped from AP courses and provide students with the content, skills, and practices for success in AP.
Pre-AP respects teachers' knowledge of their subject—and their students. That's why, instead of a rigid curriculum, Pre-AP offers a focused framework, engaging model lessons, classroom assessments, and other instructional support—so teachers have the flexibility to do what works for their students.
In a way, yes. AP classes typically have a higher GPA weight because of their difficulty, and they may cover more challenging material. Since AP classes provide college-level coursework, schools may value them more than honors courses.
It is strongly recommended that students really consider whether they want or need Pre-AP courses when they apply. It may not be possible to alter a student's timetable later due to timetable restrictions, should the student change their mind.
How many AP® classes should I take?Ivy LeagueMinimum of 8 AP® ClassesTop 20 schoolsMinimum of 6 AP® ClassesTop 100 schoolsMinimum of 4 AP® ClassesAll other schoolsMinimum of 1 AP® ClassMar 1, 2022
Pre-IB classes have a strong emphasis on developing speaking and listening skills. Pre-AP Advanced Level classes have a strong emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking skills. Pre-IB classes are more integrated than Pre-AP Advanced Level classes due to an interdisciplinary focus.
1-3So What's the Right Number of AP Classes?YearRecommended Number of AP Classes to Take9th Grade0-210th Grade1-311th Grade2-412th Grade3-4Mar 21, 2020