Is a B- in an AP class "better" than an A+ in a grade level class? (2023)

When it comes to choosing classes in high school, many students are faced with the decision of whether to take an Advanced Placement (AP) class or a traditional grade level class. While both options have their merits, there is often a debate as to whether a "B" in an AP class is better than an "A" in a grade level class. The answer to this question is not simple because it depends on a number of factors, including the student's goals, academic ability, and future plans.

Is a B- in an AP class "better" than an A+ in a grade level class? (1)

First, it is important to understand the difference between AP and grade level instruction. AP courses are college-level courses offered by the College Board that are designed to be more challenging and rigorous than traditional high school courses. They are designed to prepare students for college requirements and to demonstrate their knowledge of a particular subject. Rather, classroom instruction is traditional high school courses taught at a level appropriate to the student's age and academic ability.

When considering whether a "B" in an AP class is better than an "A" in a grade level class, it is important to consider the difficulty level of each class. AP classes are designed to be much more challenging than grade level classes, and a "B" in an AP class is often the equivalent of an "A" in a grade level class. This is because a "B" in an AP class indicates that the student was able to handle a high level of instruction and achieve a good grade in a challenging environment.

However, it is also important to consider the student's goals and future plans. For students planning to apply to highly competitive colleges or universities, a "B" in an AP class may not be enough to demonstrate their abilities and set them apart from other applicants. In these cases, an "A" in the class may be more favorable, as it demonstrates that the student is capable of achieving a high grade in a challenging environment.

Another factor to consider is the academic ability of the student. Some students are better suited to the rigorous, fast-paced nature of AP classes, while others may have a hard time keeping up and are better off taking grade-level classes. It is important to assess your own abilities and choose classes that are challenging but doable. If you are taking an AP course and are having difficulty with the class, it might be best to transfer to a grade level class and focus on getting a high grade.

It is also important to consider the impact of grades on a student's GPA. A “B” grade in an AP class will generally have a greater impact on a student's GPA than an “A” grade in a grade level class, since AP classes carry more weight. This can be a double-edged sword, as a high GPA can be an advantage when applying to college, but a low GPA can be a problem.

In conclusion, whether a "B" in an AP class will be better than an "A" in a grade level class depends on several factors, including the student's goals, academic ability, and future plans. In making this decision, it is important to consider the level of difficulty of each class, the impact of grades on the student's GPA, and the student's own academic ability. Ultimately, the goal should be to choose courses that challenge and prepare the student for college while allowing them to earn high grades and build a strong foundation for their future.

FAQs

Is a B- in an AP class "better" than an A+ in a grade level class? ›

The answer that most colleges will give you is that it's better to get an A in the Honors/AP class. And most highly-selective schools will expect that you do. But many colleges would rather see a B in an Honors or AP course than a higher grade in a regular college prep course.

Is it bad to get a B in an AP class? ›

AP classes are designed to be much more challenging than grade-level classes, and a "B" in an AP class is typically equivalent to an "A" in a grade-level class.

Is it better to have an A in honors or B in AP? ›

College admissions committees often say that it's best to get an "A" in an AP or Honors class, which is obvious.

Does a B in AP class hurt your GPA? ›

This means that students who take AP courses can earn a higher GPA than those who do not take them. So, a B in an AP class is actually a really good grade, and you can still get a 4.0 GPA if you have a B in an AP class.

What is an A+ in an AP class? ›

What Is a Weighted GPA?
Letter GradePercentageAP/IB GPA
A+97-1005.0
A93-965.0
A-90-924.7
B+87-894.3
8 more rows
Feb 17, 2021

Do colleges like B's in AP classes? ›

Junior Year: Last Year to Shine

Colleges like them both. Not sure you're up for the challenge? In most cases, taking an AP class and getting a B is a better choice than getting an A in a regular one. Many high schools give weight to AP grades so that a B in AP Biology might be a 3.3 instead of a 3.0 on your transcript.

Is a B+ an A in AP? ›

Because you now get an additional 1.0 added to your GPA if you are enrolled in AP® or honors classes. Basically, if you get a B+ in AP® Chemistry, it's the same thing as getting an A in regular Chemistry. On the other hand, if your high school only uses the unweighted GPA scale, you don't need to panic.

What grade is a B+ in an AP class? ›

AP Class Grading Scale
GradeStandardAP Weighted
A-3.74.7
B+3.34.3
B3.04.0
B-2.73.7
4 more rows
Nov 14, 2020

Do colleges care about B+? ›

Since B+ is an above-average high school grade, students can apply to a number of colleges and universities. Some of them have high rankings on various college ranking sites. The majority of these higher education institutions have a holistic admissions process and consider more than just the GPA.

Do AP classes raise GPA? ›

GPA Weight

At many high schools, honors and AP classes both offer more heavily weighted training compared to regular classes. While honors courses usually add 0.5 points to your GPA, AP classes often add 1 point. In other words, a 3.5 GPA would be boosted to a 4.0 in an honors class and a 4.5 in an AP class.

Is a B+ in AP bad? ›

On a weighted scale, a B in an AP class would equate to a 4.0 weighted GPA, so it will not hurt your overall GPA too much. Colleges normally set a benchmark GPA that, if you meet it, then you are good.

What GPA is B in AP class? ›

3.0 4.0

What GPA is B in AP? ›

Do Honors Classes Boost Your Weighted GPA?
Letter GradeNumerical GradeAP/IB GPA
A-90-924.7
B+87-894.3
B83-864.0
B-80-823.7
7 more rows
Apr 22, 2021

What is a bad grade for an AP class? ›

Having a C anywhere in your transcript already puts you below the average for top tier schools, not just Vanderbilt. If you have a C in an AP class, this may indicate to the college that you are not fully prepared for the level of academic rigor in college (because an AP class is meant to be a college-leveled class).

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