CFNN Reporters Payton Gunter and Larkin Baxley

Multiple studies have shown that a student who takes an Advanced Placement (AP) course, or a course through Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) is more prepared for his or her college experience. Taking an AP class or an FTCC course provides students with the expectations of college and the experience of taking a college level course; however, these advanced courses are more difficult and can prove to be stressful for students. In contrast, studies have also revealed that students who take FTCC or AP courses also have a higher graduation rate because of this prior exposure to college level classes. There are also multiple tangible benefits to taking these classes such as a higher GPA and college credit while you are still a high school student. 

What classes should you take as an individual? It depends on you as a student. If you plan to major in math or science, an AP course would certainly benefit you because of the fast work pace. However, it could also depend on your strengths as a student. If you are a future lawyer or politician, you may consider taking AP United States History, AP Human Geography, or AP Psychology. If you plan to attend college with a more English based major, AP Language or AP Literature may be the class for you. 

“It truly depends on the student, but it certainly does benefit the student as far as college credit goes because of that prior experience going into college,” said Mr. Lucus, the AP Coordinator at Cape Fear. 

Even if you do not pass the national exam, which gives you college credit, an AP or FTCC class can still prove extremely valuable for students.

Both AP and FTCC courses are great to take and neither avenue is more recommended than the other. Each AP and FTCC class has the potential for college credit, however, the way these credits are earned comes differently depending on which path a student takes. If you choose to take FTCC classes, you will receive college credit for passing the class. On the other hand, you will need to pass a national exam to receive college credit for an AP class. A hybrid course load with both FTCC and AP classes may be a fit for what you personally need. This is usually the suggested route for college bound students. 

“It is vital to have a mixture of FTCC and AP courses in a student’s schedule,’ said Lucas.

Cape Fear has a large variety of AP Classes for students who are interested, which means there are plenty of opportunities to prepare for college. With a total of 22 AP courses available at Cape Fear to choose from, there are many opportunities for students to set the “course” for their futures. 

For more information, visit Mr. Lucas in the room across from Mrs. Danks classroom (234).