The Benefits of AP Courses
by Jennifer L.
As a student or a parent, you may have heard of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, but have wondered about their importance and benefits in the college application process. AP courses can offer several benefits for high school students who are interested in challenging their high school curriculum.
Preparation for College: AP courses are modeled after college-level courses, so taking them can provide students with a taste of the academic expectations and workload they will encounter in college. This can help students better prepare for the rigors of higher education.
Demonstrate Academic Strength: Successfully completing AP courses and performing well on AP exams can demonstrate to colleges that a student is academically motivated, capable of handling challenging coursework, and willing to push themselves beyond the standard high school curriculum.
Explore interests: AP courses cover a wide range of subjects, allowing students to explore areas of interest in great depth. Taking AP courses in subjects they are passionate about can help students solidify their career interests or academic majors.
Boost College Applications: Colleges and universities often look favorably upon students who have taken AP courses, as it demonstrates their commitment to academic excellence and willingness to challenge themselves. This can enhance a student’s college application and make them a more competitive candidate for admission.
College credit: Depending on their scores and the policies of the colleges they apply to, students may receive college credit or be able to place out of introductory courses in the subject area.
Stand Out in the Admissions Process: In competitive college admissions processes, where many applicants have strong academic records, taking AP courses and performing well on AP exams can help students stand out from the crowd and distinguish themselves as top candidates.
Overall, successful completion of AP courses and exams serves as a way for high school students to demonstrate their mastery of college-level material in various subjects and potentially earn college credit or advanced placement in their future academic endeavors. If you’re up for a rewarding challenge, consider increasing your current academic rigor by taking an AP course!