Differences between AP & Honors courses
AP and Honors courses are both designed to be more rigorous and challenging than regular high school courses, but they have some key differences that set them apart. Here are some of the main differences between AP and Honors courses:
| AP Courses | Honors Courses |
|---|---|
| Designed to cover college-level material | More advanced versions of regular high school courses |
|
Offer the opportunity to earn college credit Example: A student who takes and passes an AP Biology exam may earn college credit for a biology course in college |
Does not offer college credit |
|
More difficult due to higher expectations and college-level material Example: AP Calculus course requires mastery of college-level calculus concepts and solving complex calculus problems |
Challenging, but not as difficult as AP courses Example: Honors Calculus course requires mastery of advanced high school-level calculus concepts and solving more advanced problems |
|
Require extensive reading, research, and writing assignments Example: AP English course requires reading and analyzing more complex works of literature, such as James Joyce’s “Ulysses” |
Require additional coursework and assignments that are more advanced than those in regular courses Example: Honors English course requires studying Shakespeare’s plays and analyzing them in greater detail |
|
Offer a more in-depth analysis of the material Example: AP History course requires writing a research paper and taking a mock college-level exam in addition to regular assignments |
Cover the same material as regular courses, but at a faster pace and in more depth Example: Honors History course requires writing a research paper on a specific topic in addition to completing regular assignments |
9th Grade (Freshman)
Honors courses are generally more rigorous and challenging than regular courses, and they help students develop strong study habits and critical thinking skills. They also demonstrate to colleges that the student is willing to take on a challenge and work hard. In freshman year, it’s important for students to establish a strong foundation in the core academic subjects, so honors courses in English, math, science, and social studies are recommended. It’s important to note that the specific courses recommended will depend on each student’s individual strengths, goals, and prerequisites. Below are just some samples.
| Course | Type |
|---|---|
| English | Honors |
| Mathematics | Honors |
| Biology | Honors |
| World History | Honors |
| Foreign Language | Level 1 |
| Elective | Physical Education |
10th Grade (Sophomore)
In sophomore year, students should continue to challenge themselves with honors courses in English, math, and science. This is also a good time to start taking AP courses. AP courses offer college-level content and rigor, and students can earn college credit by passing the AP exam at the end of the year. U.S. History is a popular AP course for sophomores, as it fulfills a graduation requirement and helps students develop strong writing and analytical skills.
| Course | Type |
|---|---|
| English | Normal or Honors |
| Mathematics | Honors or AP |
| Chemistry | Honors or AP |
| U.S. History | AP |
| Foreign Language | Level 2 |
| Elective | Art |
11th Grade (Junior)
Junior year is typically the most challenging year academically, as students take on a heavier workload and prepare for college admissions. AP courses are highly recommended in junior year, as they demonstrate a student’s ability to handle college-level work and can potentially earn college credit. AP English and AP Government are popular choices for juniors, as they develop critical reading and writing skills and fulfill graduation requirements. In addition to AP courses, honors courses in math and science can help prepare students for college-level work in these subjects.
| Course | Type |
|---|---|
| English | Normal |
| Pre Calc or Calculus | AP |
| Biology or Chemistry | AP |
| Government or Economics | Honors |
| Foreign Language | Level 3 |
| Elective | Music |
12th Grade (Senior)
Senior year is an important year for college admissions, as it’s the final year of high school and the last chance for students to demonstrate their academic abilities before applying to colleges. In senior year, it’s important to continue challenging oneself with rigorous courses, such as AP courses in English and calculus. Honors or AP courses in science can help students prepare for college-level work in these subjects. AP courses in social studies, such as psychology or economics, can also help students develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
It’s also important for seniors to pursue their passions and interests through elective courses. Creative writing and photography are examples of courses that can help students develop their creativity and self-expression, and may also be helpful for students interested in pursuing careers in the arts.
Overall, senior year is a time for students to balance their academic goals with their personal interests and extracurricular activities, and to prepare for the transition to college or other post-secondary options.
| Course | Type |
|---|---|
| English | AP |
| Calculus | AP |
| Physics | Honors or AP or Normal |
| Psychology or History | Honors or Normal |
| Elective | Creative Writing |
| Elective | Photography |