This year, we have seen what effect dual credit has on students who have signed up to take AP (Advanced Placement) classes. When AP Language lost its dual credit option second semester, many students switched from the AP Language course to a College Composition course that the teachers decided to offer in order for students to get their dual credit. Students who signed up for AP Language only filled one section, meaning there will only be one class of AP Language next school year, while students have flocked to classes like Shakespeare and Myth and Legends, partly because they offer dual credit. An epidemic is hitting OHS, an epidemic in which students deliberately shy away from AP classes and tests and revert to those under their abilities.

Students at OHS need to realize that AP credit is the credit that colleges accept and that the AP tests are really not that scary. Dual credit is not preferred in college systems nowadays, and often the credit does not transfer as anything more than an elective credit, whereas the AP tests can satisfy a general course. Although the AP test is a chance, if one studies and pays attention in class it will pay off. Also, the AP tests cost $89 a piece, but dual credit often costs somewhere around $200. If a student takes their AP test or tests seriously, the gain is tremendous.

The tendency for students not to take AP classes-or even take the tests when they sign up for AP classes-has not gone unnoticed by teachers. Whether they label it as apathy or fear of the test, teachers have not been unawares to the lacking number of students making use of all the AP offerings OHS has.

Only 168 students took AP tests last school year. 168 out of over 1700 students. 222 exams were administered, meaning the same students are taking AP tests. Principal Scheffler specifically worked hard before he left to give opportunity to OHS, and now, students are fleeing at the mention of an AP class. And what’s the solution to this blatant bias against the AP classes?

AP teachers should let students know exactly what their class will be like; they should advertise and calm fears about the test. Other students should talk up the AP classes, let their peers know that AP classes are manageable, they are worth the time and effort, and they are a rare opportunity that OHS offers for them. More students should take advantage of these classes, not just rely on dual credit, because once college comes around, students will be grateful they invested their high school time into getting a head start on their future and saving money by earning credits.