Are you a high school student considering taking AP World History? One question that may be on your mind is whether or not you need to take this course in college. Let’s explore the answer.
What is AP World History?
AP World History is a course offered by the College Board that covers the history of human civilizations from ancient times to the present day. The course is designed to help students develop critical thinking skills, analyze historical sources, and understand the connections between different cultures and regions.
Why Take AP World History?
If you’re interested in history, taking AP World History can be a great way to challenge yourself and gain a deeper understanding of the world around you. Additionally, if you plan on pursuing a degree in history, international relations, or related fields, having a strong foundation in world history can be extremely useful.
Do You Need to Take AP World History in College?
The short answer is no – you don’t need to take AP World History in college. However, having taken the course in high school can certainly give you an advantage. If you do decide to pursue a degree in history or related fields, having already covered much of the material can make your college coursework easier and allow you to dive deeper into more advanced topics.
The Benefits of Taking AP Courses
Even if you ultimately decide not to pursue a degree in history or related fields, there are still many benefits to taking AP courses like AP World History. These courses can help improve your critical thinking skills and prepare you for college-level coursework. Additionally, scoring well on AP exams can earn you college credit or advanced placement at many universities.
- College Credit: Many universities offer credit for students who score well on AP exams. This means that if you score high enough on the AP World History exam, you may be able to skip the introductory history course in college and move straight into more advanced coursework.
- Advanced Placement: Even if your university doesn’t offer credit for AP exams, scoring well can still earn you advanced placement.
This means that you may be able to skip introductory courses and move straight into more advanced classes, which can save you time and money.
- Improved Critical Thinking: AP courses are designed to challenge students and help them develop critical thinking skills. By taking AP World History, you’ll learn how to analyze historical sources, identify patterns and connections, and think critically about complex issues.
The Bottom Line
While you don’t need to take AP World History in college, doing so can certainly give you an advantage. Whether you plan on pursuing a degree in history or related fields or simply want to improve your critical thinking skills, taking this course can be a great investment in your future. So if you’re considering taking AP World History, go for it – the benefits are well worth it!