Students enrolled in AP classes have many benefits like getting college credit, skipping introductory classes in college and standing out in applications. However, many students like AP classes because doing well in them can improve their class rank.

Sophomore Stephanie Escamilla has a 4.0 grade point average and is currently ranked sixth in her class. She is taking AP World History and Spanish 4. Her goal is to graduate in the top 1 percent.

“Since I heard that AP tests can get you college credit, I wanted to take them now so I can save some money in the future,” Escamilla said.

Compared to a regulars class, AP classes affect the grade point system more due to their rigorous curriculum. The classes prepare students for actual college classes and gives students college experience.

“WHAP is my hardest subject,” Escamilla said. “It’s killing me. I’m usually up until 11 or 12 studying for a test I have the next day, [but] Spanish four is really easy so far.”

Escamilla plans to go to college and major in architecture. The bachelor’s degree itself will take five years to complete along with additional training.

“I want to go to UTA [University of Texas Arlington] and become an architect,” Escamilla said. “I really love measuring and designing. And when measuring and designing come together, it forms architecture.”

Escamilla’s family motivates her to make good grades and to never give up. Her parents encourage her to do the best she can.

“If it wasn’t for them I’d be a very low person,” Escamilla said. “It’s something in them that tells me to continue on, something you can’t explain but you can feel it.”

Escamilla’s goal is to do her best in everything she does and to live life with no regrets. The people in her life positively influence her to be a better person.

“I want to improve my rank to get into a better college or university and to get more scholarships,” Escamilla said. “I see myself walking across the stage with the very first 10 people.”