With finals week approaching in the months ahead, numerous students begin to prepare in their classes. While some students are enrolled in base level courses, such as English 11, other individuals are in Advanced Placement, or AP, courses. These courses range from AP Language and Composition to AP Environmental Science, which can be taken through Johnson County Community College for CollegeNow credit. 

Senior Issa Sullivan is currently taking twoAP courses and is very knowledgeable when it comes to the AP classes offered at De Soto High School.

“[AP Classes are] is a good opportunity to get classes out of the way before college but it’s tough having one cumilitaive test decided your fate,” Sullivan said.

Although Sullivan is frustrated with the way the AP system heavily weighs tests and discredits for homework and in-class participation, she is thankful to have taken AP classes. For Sullivan, taking higher level courses has gotten her more prepared for college. 

Sullivan enrolled herself in multiple AP courses, some individuals prefer base level courses. For senior Taylor Burger, however, she has experience in both regular, and AP courses.

According to Burger, the AP courses  she is taking this year are more fast paced than the regular courses she has taken in the past.

With being enrolled in classes from both ends of the spectrum, Burger feels like they both have their ups and downs.

“You can succeed in school with good grades even if you’re not taking AP courses but it can be beneficial to get a preview of what college courses will be like,” Burger said. 

Freshman Lauren Pratt looks forward to taking college level classes in the future.

“I like challenging myself, and I also like the dedication of everyone in the class because it is not required,” Pratt said.

Although Pratt is excited, she feels the courses are not necessarily a must.

“I think it’s important but definitely not necessary and not for everyone,” Pratt explained. 

To prepare for the AP courses Pratt plans to take, she is currently enrolled in Pre-AP courses which are designed to help students have more success with upper level classes.

“It has helped me understand all the work and responsibility that comes with committing to an AP course,” Pratt said.

Although Pratt is eager to take AP courses, she feels she has gained the majority of her knowledge about what the courses look like from her peers, rather than the teachers and wishes it could be different.

“I feel that when we are freshman, we should be able to clearly understand the pathway options we can take whether it be regular or AP courses,” Pratt said.