By: Lily Robertson and Elizabeth Peters

We all know how much work a regular class at Newport Harbor requires but the enhanced AP and IB classes are even tougher.

To survive these classes you must work extra hard and make sure you do all of your work. Amanda Neimic suggests “To keep a good grade, you should always be on your homework and know your material because we usually have tests every other week, since the class moves really fast. It helps me to study by watching crash course videos and studying on flash cards. Also, to keep a good grade, it’s really hard to miss a day in class because you miss so much and have to try and catch up.” In other words falling behind in class is not an option.

When taking an AP or IB class think about why you are taking it, do you actually like the subject?Megan Michael tells “AP classes are a lot more work than people think. The best thing to do is to pay close attention to the details of lectures, especially if it’s a history class. Don’t depend on the grade bump to save you, you should strive for the best score and think of the grade bump as a bonus. If you’re truly interested in the subject and see yourself perusing something later in life that uses that subject, then you should take it. Don’t do it just to pile on the APs for college because getting a good grade is a challenge but worth it if you try your best.”

Sometimes AP or IB Classes can help you learn to deal with a heavy workload and it is important to have good study habits. Jillian Russel says “being in IB and AP classes can be very challenging at times when it comes to maintaining the work load. I think what has helped me the most is staying organized and using apps like Quizlet to help me study.”

When taking these classes it is important to remember that you need to be able to stay awake in the class. “My advice would be don’t compromise your sleeping to study, it won’t help,” remarks Jessica Woodruff.

However if AP and IB classes are really what you want to take it is worth it in the end. “My advice for anyone taking an AP class, no matter what subject, is to be prepared for a heavy amount of homework and harder tests than normal classes. But, in the end, all your hard work is worth it because you have a better understanding of the subject than you did before!” Helen Coyne states.

As long as you try your best and do all work necessary, the AP and IB classes will be manageable. We hope the advice provided will help you either decided whether or not to take the advanced classes or help you with getting a great grade. Good luck to you all!