Northern University encourages students to challenge themselves academically
Many students throughout Northern challenge themselves by taking an Advanced Placement (AP) class. These classes contain college level work and can be a stressful task, but with hard work, helpful teachers, and special treats, could it really be that bad?
“An AP class is a college course class,” junior Melody Harmon said. “It is supposed to be difficult for students because we do not have the mind [set] of a college student yet.”
Northern University is an academic program that rewards students for taking AP classes. By just signing up for one AP class you are automatically registered for Northern U.
“That one AP class is still 90 minutes of college-level work everyday,” counselor Pamela Postage said. “For a student who has never taken an AP class, that can be really daunting. They deserve the recognition for stepping up just as much as anyone else.”
The students that take AP classes not only get to participate in the fun activities that Northern U hosts, they also gain a credit that qualifies as a college benefit, as long as you pass the exam at the end of the year.
“[I am] honestly only taking my AP class for the credit,” sophomore Caleb Greene said. “I want to play baseball in college, and taking an AP class looks good on emails to send to colleges.”
In previous years there used to be an application process to be able to qualify for Northern U, but as previously stated that is no longer the case. Some students at Northern think that it is too easy to get into Northern U, while others like that it only takes one class to be apart of the program.
“[I think that] it should depend on the classes the student [are] taking to see if they should be able to participate in Northern U. Some AP classes are honestly just free credits and should not have an effect on your participation in Northern U,” sophomore MK Ware said.
Northern U has such a good effect on Northern that even the freshman that have not had the chance to experience an AP class first hand are excited for their classes.
“I have upperclassmen friends that tell me about their AP classes,” freshman Riley Horton said. “And how all the work it worth it in the long run. Also, I am excited to get to experience a college course class and the benefits of it.”
They would not be called advanced placement classes is they were easy, working hard is something the students learn in their AP classes.
“Yes, AP classes are challenging. But at least with Northern U you are surrounded by students that are going through the same challenges as you are,” junior Matt Glisson said.
Self-belief and hard work will always earn you success, or a cookout on the football field.