The Advantages of AP Classes

Should my child sign up for AP classes next year? He is on the honor roll but not the high honor roll. He does a minimal amount of studying because he has so many activities. -- What To Do?
Answer: Your child's guidance counselor should be able to help your child evaluate whether he should sign up for an AP class or classes. The counselor also can help him find which one or ones would be the best fit for him.
Your son has done very well to be on the honor roll while only putting in a minimal effort. AP classes could demand a lot more out of him -- but so will college. An AP class would help your son experience what college will be like. These classes do set a higher pace and standard. And your son would be able to see if he could successfully handle work at a higher level.
The school counselor will be able to explain all the advantages of AP classes. One is being on a weighted grading scale, which can greatly raise a student's high school GPA. Another big advantage is the opportunity to test out of entry-level college classes and graduate earlier -- thus saving money.
One of the major reasons why many students take AP classes is to show college admissions officers that they can handle college-level work. Another reason is to take classes not offered in the regular high-school curriculum.
In making a decision to take an AP class, your son must factor in whether he will be willing to spend more time on classwork. It would not be a plus for him to do poorly in an AP class.