Taking an AP (Advanced Placement) class can be a smart move for many high school students. From earning college credit, to building strong study habits, AP courses offer benefits that can be carried into college.
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Here is what to consider when deciding if AP classes are worth it for you:
Get a head start on the college classroom experience
AP classes are designed to mirror a college learning environment. You will practice managing deadlines, tackling more challenging material and developing strong study habits all while being able to fall back on the support of your high school teachers. The experience can make the transition to college feel more manageable.
AP Classes Boost your GPA
Many high schools weigh AP classes heavier than standard courses, which can give your GPA a boost. Just keep in mind that grading scales vary by school. Your high school GPA can also impact what scholarship money you receive from colleges.
Merit-based scholarships are often based on your GPA and your ACT or SAT test scores.
If you’re trying to raise your GPA before you graduate high school, taking AP classes can be the boost you need.
Save money by earning college credit
AP classes are worth college credit at many universities. Each AP class ends with a standardized exam scored on a scale of 1 to 5. Scoring a 3 or higher can replace a class at most colleges. Earning college credit in high school can help you to skip introductory courses, lighten your course load, and potentially graduate earlier. That can translate to real savings on tuition.
If you feel confident in the material, taking the AP exam is usually worth considering.
Make your transcript stand out
There are other benefits beyond college credit and boosting your GPA. Admissions counselors look beyond your transcript—they also consider the level of difficulty in your coursework. AP classes are typically the most challenging courses offered in high school, and taking them can demonstrate to colleges motivation, curiosity, and willingness to take on academic challenges.
Discover a passion
AP classes often go deeper into the material than standard courses, giving you the chance to explore topics in more detail. You may discover an interest in a subject you’ve not experienced before, like psychology or environmental science. In some cases, that interest may shape your college major or your future career.
AP classes aren’t the right fit for everyone, but for many students, they offer valuable academic and financial benefits.
If you’re willing to challenge yourself and stay organized, AP courses can help you build confidence, explore your interests, and prepare for what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are tips for succeeding in challenging AP classes?
- Find old AP tests for the subject you are studying and use them as practice tests.
- Ask for help when you don’t understand something. The class material will typically grow on itself, so it is important to keep up.
- Study with friends. Analyzing coursework together can help you draw more conclusions and think deeper about the content.
How do AP courses prepare you for college?
AP classes are more rigorous than regular high school classes. The learning experience will be like what you’ll experience in college, and by taking AP classes, you’ll be more comfortable and confident in your coursework when you arrive at college.
Why take AP?
AP classes are worth taking to boost your GPA, earn college credit, prepare you for college classes, and to diver deeper into subjects that you find interesting.
What's the difference between AP and dual enrollment?
While AP classes and Dual Enrollment both can result in college credit, they are different. AP classes are taken at your high school in classes with teachers that work at your school. Dual enrollment means that you are taking classes at a college in place of your high school classes. You will either show up to the college and take the class in person or take them online. Southeast Missouri State University offers dual enrollment classes for college credit. Check with your high school counselor to see if you can sign up for classes and join our early college program.
What are affordable ways to get college credit in high school?
Dual enrollment and AP classes are both options to earn college credit in high school. Register for AP classes at your school and take the AP test at the end of the year for college credit, or sign up for dual enrollment. If you pass the AP test or pass the college class, you can earn credit for college. Make sure to check if the colleges you are wanting to attend accept the dual enrollment credit and what score they consider passing for the AP test. Southeast Missouri State University has a early college program for high school students who want to take dual enrollment classes. Check with you high school counselor to see if you can register.