Four Ways AP Classes Help You Prepare for College

Colleges want students that are prepared for higher education coursework. The closest match for most high school students are the Advanced Placement courses, commonly called AP classes. AP courses have earned their reputation as challenging, time-intensive classes. These classes add another challenge to an already difficult schedule of high school and college preparation. There are, however, several reasons why AP classes are worth the effort.

1. Drive. AP courses are usually equivalent to college freshman-level classes. College admissions counselors love to see AP courses on your transcript because they demonstrate your desire to succeed at the college level. Even if you don’t ace the tests colleges will still admire the effort – and guts – these tough classes take.

2. Depth. These classes are focused on specialized subjects. There are no general info classes here. These courses allow you the opportunity to examine your interest in a specific field of study. If you enjoy the work then perhaps you’ve found a major. Or you may learn you aren’t as interested in a subject.

3. Credit. Success during the AP exam could save you time and money in college. Each AP class is accompanied by an exam in May. The tests are graded on a five point scale, and scoring three or better is good for credit at most schools. This can mean big time college credit. In some instances, a single AP biology class could take the place of two semesters of entry level biology, lab included. AP classes can help you by-pass first year classes and get into the meat of your major sooner. Saving a semester or two of college could save you thousands of dollars, too. But don’t count your chickens before they hatch: Check with a potential college on their AP acceptance levels.

4. Grades. Some high schools offer incentives to encourage more students to take AP classes. Some schools weight AP grades on a 5-point scale instead of the traditional 4-point scale. For example, in these AP classes an A would be 5 and a B would be 4. So even if you made a B in the class you could still keep your perfect 4.0 GPA. If you do better, you could raise your GPA above 4.0. You can literally score off the chart!

Of course, there are a few catches to AP classes. Not every high school offers AP classes. Some offer dual-enrollment courses, which allow students to earn credit both in high school and at a local college. Look into this option if AP classes are not available.

Some AP classes may carry extra fees for in-class or test materials. If money is a problem speak with a subject teacher or school counselor. They may be able to waive fees.

If the classes are available, and you’re up to the challenge, AP classes can give you a head-start on what promises to be a bright college career. They might even make your college search easier!