AP Classes vs Honors: Understanding the Differences

Regarding advanced high school classes, two terms often come up: AP and Honors classes. 

While these classes are similar in that they both offer a more challenging curriculum, there are some key differences that students should be aware of.

AP Classes

AP stands for Advanced Placement, and these courses are designed to provide students with college-level work. AP courses are typically more rigorous than honors and require significant time and effort. 

In addition, AP courses allow students to earn college credit if they score well on the corresponding AP exam.

Taking AP classes helps students get ready for the challenging academics in college.

In addition, AP courses can also boost a student’s GPA, as grades in these courses are typically weighted higher compared to lower-level high school classes.

However, it’s important to note that not all colleges give credit for AP courses, and some may only give credit for specific scores on the AP exam.

Students should research the policies of the colleges they are interested in attending to determine whether or not AP credit will be accepted.

Honors Classes

Honors courses are also advanced high school classes but are typically less rigorous than AP courses.

Honors classes aim to push students to their limits and give them a deeper grasp of the topic.

One of the main benefits of taking honors courses is that they can boost a student’s GPA.

Grades in honors courses are typically weighted more heavily compared to lower-level high school classes, which can help students maintain a high GPA.

While honors courses do not offer the opportunity for college credit like AP courses do, they can still be a valuable experience for students. 

Honors courses prepare students for the academic rigor of college and provide them with valuable skills such as critical thinking, time management, and effective communication.

Curriculum Comparison

AP Curriculum

AP courses are made to be as challenging and as demanding as college classes. They are in-depth and require a significant amount of work from students. 

The AP curriculum is reviewed and approved by college faculty to ensure that students are being asked to do college-level work, regardless of where they take the course.

AP courses cover various subjects, including AP Computer Science, AP Calculus, Chemistry, Economics, Mathematics, and AP English Literature. 

The curriculum for each course is more in-depth than the curriculum for a regular high school course. AP courses often have prerequisite courses that students need to take before enrolling.

The AP curriculum aims to prepare students for the AP test, which measures how well students have mastered the subject matter. Students who do well on the AP exam can earn college credit, saving time and money.

Honors Curriculum

Honors courses are more rigorous than regular high school courses and can boost a student’s GPA. 

The curriculum for honors courses is more in-depth than regular courses but less in-depth than for AP courses.

Honors courses are typically available at different levels of the same subject, while AP courses are only available at one level for each subject.

The honors curriculum is designed to challenge students and prepare them for college-level work. Honors courses cover various subjects, including Mathematics, English, and Science.

The curriculum for each course is more in-depth than the curriculum for a regular high school course.

Honors courses do not have standardized tests like the AP exam, and students do not receive college credit for completing an honors course.

However, honors courses can help students prepare for college-level coursework and make them more competitive when applying to colleges.

Exam Structure and Scoring

AP Exams

AP exams test students’ understanding of college-level material covered in an AP course. The exams are typically 2-3 hours long and include a combination of multiple-choice and free-response questions. 

A machine scores the multiple-choice section, while the free-response section is scored by trained AP teachers and college professors.

The AP exam scoring system ranges from 1 to 5, 5 signifying the highest achievable score. To receive college credit or advanced placement, a student must earn a qualifying score of 3 or higher on the exam. The exact qualifying score may vary depending on the college or university.

Honors Grading

Honors classes typically have a more rigorous grading system than regular classes, but the grading structure can vary by school. 

Occasionally, honors classes are weighted on a 4.5 scale, with an A earning 4.5 points instead of the usual 4.0 points. In other cases, honors classes are not weighted at all.

Grades in honors classes are typically earned through a combination of tests, quizzes, essays, and other assignments. The grading system may also take into account class participation and attendance.

Difficulty and Workload

AP Difficulty

AP classes are known for being challenging and fast-paced. The difficulty level of AP classes is comparable to that of a college-level course.

Students who take AP classes are expected to dedicate a significant amount of time outside of class to studying and completing assignments. 

AP classes typically require 6-8 hours of weekly study and class time. AP students should be prepared to challenge themselves and work hard to keep up with the rigorous curriculum.

Honors Difficulty

Honors classes are also more challenging than regular classes but generally less difficult than AP classes.

Honors classes are designed to challenge students looking for a more rigorous curriculum but who may need more time to be ready for the intensity of an AP class. 

Honors classes typically require around 4-6 hours of study per week in addition to class time.

Students who take honors classes should be prepared to work hard and dedicate time to studying but may find the workload more manageable than that of an AP class.

Impact on College Admission and Credit

AP for College Credit

Taking AP classes can be a great way for students to earn college credit while still in high school, potentially saving them time and money in the long run. 

However, it’s important to note that not all colleges accept AP credits, and the amount of credit awarded can vary depending on the college and the student’s score on the AP exam.

The College Board’s information indicates that in the United States, over 3,000 colleges and universities grant credit or advanced placement opportunities for high AP scores.

This can be especially beneficial for students who plan to attend a top or elite college, as these institutions often require students to take challenging college-level courses.

In addition to potentially earning college credit, taking AP classes can demonstrate to college admissions officers that a student is willing to take on challenging coursework and is prepared for college-level academics.

Honors for College Admission

While AP classes may focus more on earning college credit, honors classes can be valuable for students looking to improve their college applications. 

Honors classes typically involve a faster pace, more work, and more challenging tests than standard high school classes, making them an excellent way for students to demonstrate their academic abilities.

Regarding college admissions, honors classes can show admissions officers that students are willing to take on challenging coursework and are prepared for college-level academics. This can significantly benefit students planning to apply to top or elite colleges.

It’s important to note that honors classes may not always be weighted as heavily as AP classes when calculating a student’s GPA. 

However, many high schools offer weighted GPAs for honors classes, which can help students improve their overall GPA and stand out on their high school transcript.

Availability and Prerequisites

AP and honors classes are generally available at most high schools across the United States. However, the availability of these classes can vary depending on the school and the specific courses offered. 

Honors classes are typically offered in various subjects, including English, math, science, and social studies. 

AP classes, on the other hand, tend to be more limited in scope and are usually offered in more advanced subjects, such as calculus, physics, and foreign languages.

Regarding prerequisites, honors classes are usually open to students with demonstrated proficiency in the subject area. 

Some schools may require a minimum grade point average (GPA) or test scores to enroll in honors classes, but this varies widely. AP classes, on the other hand, often have more strict prerequisites. 

Students are usually required to have taken a previous course in the subject area and have achieved a specific grade in that course. For example, students may need to have taken and passed Algebra II before enrolling in AP Calculus.

It’s worth noting that some schools offer capstone programs designed to provide students with a more rigorous and challenging academic experience. 

These programs often include a combination of honors and AP classes and may require students to complete a culminating project or thesis. 

Additionally, some schools offer diploma programs, which require students to complete a certain number of honors and/or AP classes to graduate with a special diploma designation.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of AP

AP classes offer several advantages for students looking to challenge themselves academically. Some of the critical benefits of AP classes include:

• Improved college readiness: AP classes are designed to prepare students for college-level work, which can help them to succeed in college and beyond.
• Opportunity to earn college credit: Taking AP classes can lead to students earning college credit when they pass an AP exam. This can reduce the cost of college and allow students to graduate early.
• Competitive edge in college admissions: Admissions officers often look favorably upon students who have taken AP classes, as it demonstrates that they are motivated and capable of handling rigorous coursework.
• Measure of academic achievement: AP classes are a way for students to challenge themselves and measure their academic achievement against a standardized curriculum.

Disadvantages of AP

While AP classes offer many advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages. Some of the key disadvantages of AP classes include:

• Interactive learning opportunities may be limited: AP classes can be very focused on preparing for the exam, which can limit the amount of interactive learning opportunities available to students.
• Competitive environment: AP classes can be very competitive, leading to stress and anxiety for some students.
• Requires a motivated student: AP classes require significant effort and dedication from students, which can be challenging for those who need to be more self-motivated.
• Not all colleges accept AP credit: While many colleges accept AP credit, some do not, which can limit the potential benefits of taking AP classes.

Advantages of Honors

Honors classes also offer several advantages for students looking to challenge themselves academically. Some of the critical advantages of honors classes include:

• Improved college readiness: Honors classes are designed to prepare students for college-level work, which can help them to succeed in college and beyond.
• Opportunity to explore extracurricular activities: Honors classes offer students more flexibility to explore extracurricular activities, as they may not require as much time and effort as AP classes.
• Opportunity to develop a competitive edge: Taking honors classes can give students an advantage in the college admissions process, as it showcases their capability to excel in challenging coursework.
• Possibility to set and achieve educational goals: Honors classes can help students set and achieve academic goals by challenging them to excel academically.

Disadvantages of Honors

While honors classes offer many advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages. Some of the key disadvantages of honors classes include:

• Limited opportunities to earn college credit: Honors classes may not offer students the opportunity to earn college credit, which can limit the potential benefits of taking these classes.
• Limited availability: Honors classes may not be as widely available as AP classes, limiting students’ options to challenge themselves academically.
• May not be as competitive: Honors classes may not be as competitive as AP classes, limiting the potential benefits for students looking to develop a competitive edge in college admissions.
• May not prepare students for the workforce: Honors classes may not provide students with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.

Choosing the Right Path

Students must consider their strengths and interests when choosing between AP and honors classes. 

AP courses are generally more challenging and require a higher level of commitment. In contrast, honors courses are still rigorous but may be a better fit for students who want to challenge themselves without overwhelming their schedule.

One of the critical factors to consider is placement. AP classes often require students to take a placement test to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle the coursework.

Honors classes may have prerequisites or require teacher approval but typically do not require a placement test.

Another critical consideration is study habits and test-taking skills. AP classes require students to be self-motivated and able to manage their time effectively.

They also need strong test-taking skills, as the exams are often more complex and cover a broader range of material. 

Honors classes may still require strong study habits and test-taking skills but may be more manageable for students who struggle in these areas.

Enrolling in honors classes can provide students with a competitive edge when applying to college, as it demonstrates their ability to succeed in demanding academic challenges.

Honors courses are also available in these areas but may be less widely offered or have different requirements.

Finally, students may consider the International Baccalaureate (IB) program as an alternative to AP and honors courses. 

The IB program offers a comprehensive and challenging curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, research, and global perspectives. 

IB courses may be a good fit for students who want a more holistic approach to education and are interested in pursuing international opportunities.