West Campus High School is recognized for being a school of high test scores and great achievements in academics. Each year students challenge themselves by enrolling in Advanced Placement classes. AP classes are more rigorous than regular college preparatory classes in order to prepare students for the AP exam in the spring and the high demands of future college courses. If a student does well on the AP exam, it could count as college credits, depending on the policies of the school they go to.
AP classes are also a great way to maintain a high GPA. Whereas a regular class rewards an A grade with 4 points, an AP class rewards an A with 5 points (a B receives 4, a C receives 3). So someone with straight A’s in four regular classes and two AP classes would have a grade point average of 4.3 for that semester.
Recently we surveyed the Junior and Senior classes to see how many students are challenging themselves by taking AP courses this year.
While searching through the survey results, several students jumped out as being high achievers. Two of these students agreed to be interviewed. Viviana Ogawa, 12th grader, is currently taking three AP classes: AP Physics, AP Government, and AP English. On top of that, she is enrolled in a Statistics class at Sac City.
Why are you taking such a heavy course load? What will it help you accomplish?
I want to maintain my class rank. Also, it will appeal to colleges who look at heavy course loads on the transcripts. Mostly, I’m just really interested in the harder material and I want to challenge myself.
How much homework do you get each night?
I’ve been getting less homework than [my] Junior year, but it’s still the beginning of the year. So, we’ll see.
What time do you go to bed each night?
It depends on how many hours I play “Super Smash Brothers Brawl!” Just kidding. Usually around eleven or twelve.
Do you think it’ll get harder?
Mhm. Most definitely. If the teachers stick to their syllabuses. Especially with Senior Project and [college] applications coming up.
What is your hardest class?
AP English. Only because I’m more of a math and science kind of person. It’s harder for me to understand the “deeper meaning” in things that don’t seem to have a deeper meaning.
What advice would you give to next year’s senior class about course selections or just in general?
Know your limits. Don’t take AP classes that you don’t think you can handle. Too many Seniors get stuck in difficult courses they can’t handle and their Senior year becomes more work than fun. Sometimes they flunk out. And if you do take hard classes, do it for the right reasons.
Michael Marshall, also a senior, is taking a full six period day this year. Five of those classes are AP classes.
Why are you taking so many AP classes?
I wanted extra college credits and to become class Valedictorian.
Is it what you expected?
It’s a lot harder than I thought because I’m playing three sports. It’s very time consuming.
How much homework do you get each night?
I’m up until 12:30 every night doing homework.
What is your hardest class?
My hardest AP class is Physics.
Do you have any advice for next year’s Senior class?
People say senior year is supposed to be laid back, but you should take full advantage of it and challenge yourself.