AP classes

What are ap classes?

AP (advanced placement) is a program of classes developed by the college board to give high school students an introduction to college-level classes and also gain college credit before even graduating high school. These courses are more difficult than the usual high school class and also require passing an AP exam at the end of the year to gain the college credit.

AP exams are tests on everything you’ve learned in your AP class that year. They’re scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with any score above 3 considered passing, though some schools will only accept 4’s and 5’s for credit. Taking AP courses and passing the tests are signs that you’re prepared for college and can put you at the top of the list for admissions if you’re smart about which ones to take.

the benifits of taking an ap class

While most students plan to take AP classes because they know it will improve their admissions chances, there are other benefits of taking AP classes in high school as well.

Save money & earn credit

While high school is free for most, college is not. Save yourself some tuition money by taking AP classes in high school. You’ll earn college credits without paying college tuition and also get a head start on your college requirements. Many colleges also look at AP experience when deciding on who to award scholarship money to, so AP classes can also improve your chances of receiving scholarships.

challenge yourself

Are you finding yourself bored in your regular high school classes? It may be that they’re not challenging enough for you. AP classes provide an opportunity for students to challenge themselves and provide stimulation for students who have surpassed high school level classes.

Improve Admissions Potential

College admissions professionals like to see that you have challenged yourself and are also prepared for college-level curriculum. Doing well in AP courses can show college admissions staff that you are ready to succeed in college. In addition, many high schools give extra weight to AP classes which can improve your GPA. In many cases, getting a B in an AP class is better than getting an A in a regular level high school course.

prepare for college

Transitioning into college-level courses early on can help you adjust to a more rigorous level of study. AP classes are designed to be as challenging as college courses and can improve your skills in writing, critical thinking, and analysis. They also often require more outside research than high school classes, which can help you prepare for the level of outside work and self accountability that will be expected of you in college.

Are ap classes worth it?

While there are many benefits to taking AP classes in high school, you should also be cautious of overextending yourself. Take into consideration the course load for each class you sign up for and remember that you also need to allow for personal time. High school isn’t just about taking as many high level classes as you can and spending all of your time studying. AP classes may look good on college applications, but so do extracurricular activities and community involvement. Leave yourself time to socialize and relax outside of your school work.

Getting a B in an AP class may be better than an A in a regular class, but a C or D isn’t. AP classes will not be worth it if it hurts your overall GPA. If you feel confident that you could get an A or B in an AP class then you should take it, but if you feel like your grades will suffer then it is probably best to stick to a high school level class.

AP classes are only worth it if they challenge you and don’t hurt your college applications in other ways. Don’t give up all of your extra-curricular and sacrifice your grades just to take an AP class. Ultimately, the only person that can really answer whether or not you should take an AP class is you. You know yourself and your capabilities better than anyone else. Challenge yourself, but don’t overdo it.

Benefits of Taking AP Classes in High School

Why take an Advanced Placement class? After all, high school is a pressure cooker. You already have to take the SAT, apply to college, and keep up with your extra-curriculars. The last thing you may want to do is take a very demanding course, especially one that's not mandatory. But we recommend you consider it. Here are five ways AP classes can be a smart choice.

• Prep for college
  AP classes can be as challenging as introductory college courses. They are fast-paced, cover more material than regular classes, and require independent work like research and analysis. Getting a dose of a college-level curriculum early on could ease your transition from high school senior to first-year college student.

• Rise to the top of the pile
  Advanced Placement classes show admissions officers that you're ready for college-level work. Admissions counselors consistently tell us that good grades and academic rigor are the most important factors when schools evaluate applications. Even over standardized test scores!

• Strengthen your transcript
  Many high schools give extra weight to AP grades when calculating your GPA. Taking an AP class and getting a B is often a better choice than getting an A in a regular course.

• Study what you love
  There are 38 AP subjects from computer science to Japanese language and culture, although your high school may only offer some of these. If you're a science whiz, AP Biology or AP Chemistry may give you the extra challenge you crave. If you're the next Ernest Hemingway, head to AP English . Choosing a subject you’re interested in, or have had previous success in, will help you commit to the workload.

• Get a head start on college reqs (and save some tuition dollars)
  Taking an AP class is great prep for the acing the corresponding AP test. Held every May, AP tests are scored on a scale from 1–5. If your college offers AP credit, a score of a 4 or higher could allow you to earn college credits without paying college tuition. Some students are able to skip the entire first year of college this way, thus cutting the entire cost of their college education by one quarter.