Hamasa Meshaal is a junior at Turlock High School. This year, she’s taking five AP classes: pre-calculus, U.S. history, chemistry, statistics and English language.

For him and many other students, these classes are important because they save money and allow them to earn college credit in high school.

“For me, this is something I want and need,” Mashal said. “Taking AP classes has opened up this new world where I can meet people every day and ultimately learn a concept on a deeper level. There are many resources around the world for AP classes that can help students succeed. I still have to go to school, with or without AP classes, So my goal is to present my case in the best light possible.”

With Advanced Placement courses, students can earn college credit if they pass the end-of-year exam in the subject. All tests and courses are created by non-profit organization University BoardThe institution that also conducts SAT and ACT tests.

In addition, students receive a boost to their high school GPA.

Last year, nearly 500 students in the Turlock Unified School District took AP classes and more than 900 took tests during the spring. About 73% passed their tests.

Mashal’s advisor recommended that she start taking AP classes in human geography during her freshman year. The course is a branch of geography that focuses on human behavior, interaction, and cultures.

When you enter the course, it’s grades 9-12. He noticed that there was a mix of classes.

“I realize that if I hadn’t talked to my advisor, I might not be the person I am today,” Mashal said. “ …I was just looking for a class that would challenge me and where I could engage with the world.”

Madiha Haideri said she loved the rigor of her classes. The senior has been taking AP classes since her sophomore year.

“I was able to stay in challenging environments where I was able to participate in various academic discussions and debates,” Haideri said. “Plus, AP classes gave me a chance to know what college classes would be like. “I now feel more prepared for college because of the level of rigor.”

Haideri realizes that AP classes are not for every student and require time management due to student demands.

“I’ve been going to private classes since middle school, so adjusting wasn’t a huge challenge for me. “However, I can definitely say that managing multiple AP courses is a task that requires adaptability, second only to time management,” he said.