These three-hour exams, offered in May each year, mark the culmination of college-level courses which are currently offered at 88% of public high schools in the United States. The curriculum for each course is written by College Board – the same folks responsible for the SAT – and students who score 3 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) are offered college credits by many of the nation’s colleges and universities.
Parents and students often ask, “Are AP courses really necessary?” The answer is both yes and no, depending on the student’s ambitions and college goals.
When students apply to college, they are basically in competition with their peers. Most colleges want a geographically well-rounded student body. So, college admissions officers will compare all applicants from the same high school and favor those with the most impressive academic record based on SAT scores, GPA and competitive course load. While there is no college in the country that outwardly states a requirement for AP courses, students are well aware that these higher-level courses, which indicate an ability to successfully complete college-level work, are viewed most favorably by college admission staff.
The problem, for many local students, is lack of access to the AP courses of their choice. Few, if any, high schools offer all 38 AP courses. AP Psychology, for example, is a course sought after by many students who are considering the field as a potential college major. But many local high schools do not offer this course.
Other times, even if the course is offered at a student’s high school, the prerequisites may be difficult to achieve. Students may need to be in a certain grade or have taken lower-level courses or a placement test to demonstrate proficiency.
Students seeking to get AP credit outside of high school have several options. There are online courses, taught be College Board-approved instructors, that may be available. Another option is to take AP classes virtually through another area high school.
Students also have the option to self-study. There is not a requirement that a student take an AP course to take the AP exam. To prepare for an exam without taking a course, students should study the skills and content outlined in College Board’s “Course and Exam Description” for the relevant subject. Students who sign up for AP exams also have access to free AP Daily Videos, which are short videos created by AP teachers.
Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of Collegebound Review which, for the past 25 years, has offered PSAT/SAT® preparation, essay editing, and private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362.
There are online courses, taught be College Board-approved instructors, that may be available. Another option is to take AP classes virtually through another area high school. Students also have the option to self-study. There is not a requirement that a student take an AP course to take the AP exam
AP exam
Advanced Placement (AP) examinations are exams offered in United States by the College Board and are taken each May by students. The tests are the culmination of year-long Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which are typically offered at the high school level.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Advanced_Placement_exams
What if my high school doesn't offer AP classes? If your high school doesn't offer AP classes or doesn't offer a class that interests you, there are still options. It is possible to study on your own and take the exam without the related AP class. Some students opt to go this route.
In short, while having AP classes on your transcript can be helpful, it's not the only factor colleges consider. Focus on maintaining a high GPA, participating in extracurriculars, and challenging yourself academically in ways that make sense for you. Best of luck!
Colleges like them both. Both honors and AP courses are rigorous courses that most high schools weight more heavily on your transcript. AP courses, however, culminate in the AP Exam. Good AP scores show colleges you are ready to succeed at college-level work and can even earn you college credits.
If your school does not offer AP classes, independent study can be a viable option. If this is the case, you may have to arrange to take the exam in another nearby school. There are private providers of AP courses: the College Board says on their site that you should talk to your counselor about them.
Colleges appreciate when students challenge themselves in areas they are passionate about. If you're interested in STEM, AP courses like Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, or Computer Science can be beneficial.
One drawback of taking AP classes is that to take the exam and potentially earn college credit, students have to pay $98 per exam. Some people don't even pass the exam. These classes are also much harder than regular classes, as they are college level courses.
A student who doesn't have access to APs but takes high level classes throughout high school and is ranked in the top five percent of his or her class will have a better chance of attending an Ivy League school than a student who takes a few AP classes here and there and has a less impressive class ranking.
If you're maintaining high grades in your other classes and involved in extracurriculars that demonstrate your passions and strengths, dropping one AP class won't tank your college admissions prospects.
Most colleges do not require them for admissions. A very few are beginning to recommend them instead of or as a replacement for Subject Tests. Colleges more than likely won't be looking for missing scores and wondering why you don't have them. Lots of kids don't take AP tests even if they've taken the class.
You do not need AP exams in any form in order to apply. You do need to have taken the most academically challenging program that your high school offers, whatever that might be. Yes of course. If your school doesn't offer them, Harvard doesn't expect you to take them.
Colleges appreciate a challenging curriculum, so taking one or two AP courses during your senior year can be beneficial. Ultimately, the scheduling decision should align with your personal goals and circumstances.
Both AP courses and a high GPA are important for college admissions, but it also depends on the colleges you're aiming for and your own personal strengths and interests. If you're targeting highly competitive colleges, they typically appreciate seeing that you've taken challenging courses and can handle the workload.
If your school offers a wide selection of AP classes and other students are taking many more, 7 APs might be considered below average. However, if your school only offers a limited number of AP courses, then 7 would be seen as impressive.
Financially, taking AP classes can be a twofold benefit. 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.
Honors classes typically follow a teacher-designed curriculum throughout one semester. These courses usually cover more material than regular classes and provide a more thorough exploration into various topics. Conversely, AP courses follow the College Board curriculum over the course of 1-2 semesters.
IB diploma programs are two years while AP classes typically last a semester or two. “The IB courses are designed with a specific approach to teaching and learning in mind,” Jones says.
Students looking to earn admission to highly selective colleges should take multiple AP classes to bolster their applications and demonstrate they can handle challenging coursework. Some college admissions experts recommend taking as many as 7-12 AP courses before applying to the most elite universities.
In addition, many high schools give extra weight to AP classes which can improve your GPA overall. In many cases, getting a B in an AP class is better than getting an A in a regular level high school course.
Introduction: My name is Geoffrey Lueilwitz, I am a zealous, encouraging, sparkling, enchanting, graceful, faithful, nice person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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