High School is a busy time of classes, extracurricular’s, new found social lives and a need to start thinking about the future. You may find you and your family trying to swim through the murky waters of ‘What is Next?’. Thinking about college prep whilst maintaining daily life can be overwhelming and you may be wondering if AP courses are simply too much. The truth is, it is a personal decision that only you can determine but it’s helpful to know the AP ins and outs before deciding.
First of all, what are AP classes?
AP classes are advanced placement classes to introduce high school students to college level classes designed by the College Board. Since these classes are more challenging than high school courses it allows students to attain college credits. BUT to get the credit the student must pass the AP exam based on everything they have learned throughout the year. The tests are through the school or College Board in May. (https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/exam-calendar)
Do you need to take AP classes to get into college?
Short answer- no. HOWEVER, and this is a large however, students with AP courses on their transcripts have greater acceptance rates. One of the most important aspects of the college acceptance process is your transcript. Taking the AP COURSES reflects heavier than the AP exam scores. For the most part the exam scores will not actually make or break you but colleges like evidence that you can excel in difficult classes and that the student has challenged themselves. AP courses show admissions that a student is prepared to do college level work.
Yes, but what about the Exam? Do colleges need that?
Normally you do not need to send AP scores to the universities you are applying for. That said, some schools will put space on the application for you to self- report the AP scores. Those scores will be seen by college admissions officers. *Note: If you have low scores it is advised to not report them on the application. There are some schools that are more flexible and may allow you to substitute your SAT or ACT so if you have high AP exams maybe that is something to look into.
Can I take the classes without the test? Can I take the test without the classes?
Students are not required to take the courses. A student can sign up to take an AP test in any subject. BUT taking the course definitely prepares them for the exam and speaks to their level of commitment. On the same note, a student can take the courses and not take the exam.
How does the AP Exam work?
According to the College Board, AP Exams are created and scored by teams of AP teachers and college professors. The exams are scored from 1 to 5 in which a score above 3 is considered passing. Some schools however only accept 4’s and 5’s for credit. The test usually takes two to three hours to complete and usually consist of essay questions and multiple-choice questions. Each subject area test is offered in May. If a student does not pass they cannot take it again until the following year. All AP tests need to be taken before the student graduates.
Students pay for the AP tests out of pocket ( however, in some lower-income may be able to receive funding)
Weighing up all the benefits.
1) College Board states that over 90 percent of colleges and universities in the U.S. will grant college credit for AP coursework and passing test scores.
In other words, you will be able to save time and tuition money because your free high school AP class served as credit for what you would have had to have taken as a foundational college course.
2) Good AP scores can help garnish scholarships.
3) AP classes prepare a student for the demands of college. This will make the transition from high school to college just that much easier.
4) A College admission leg up. High AP scores (4 & 5’s) may help you to stand out from the other students, when any bit of advantage counts.
5) Many high schools give extra weight to AP classes leading to improved GPA’s. B’s in an AP class would be considered higher than getting an A in a regular high school course.
Are there disadvantages to AP courses?
The important thing to remember is your own level of burn-out. The course load can be heavy so you have to make sure that you can remain in balance. Extracurricular activities are also important to a college admission as well as good for ones self interest. Community investment also looks good on the application and is good for the soul. If you take on too many AP classes they can work against you. The heavily weighted grades can really hurt your GPA is you start receiving C’s and D’s. Low AP exam scores can also alert institutions-however, to reiterate, you do not have to report your low scores.
Final Thoughts
While on paper the benefits to AP classes outweigh the negative, knowing what you can and cannot handle is just as an important part of the learning process. There is no judgement in having solid grades in the normal high school courses.
For AP exam overview and scheduling:
