What is Advanced Placement (AP)? Everything You Need to Know

Ever felt like high school just isn't challenging enough for you? Or maybe you're just keen to dive deep into subjects you're passionate about, earning college credits before you even step foot on a university campus. Enter the world of Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

Key takeaways

• AP courses offer college-level curricula to high school students
• Successfully completing an AP exam can earn students college credits
• AP courses can boost a student's GPA and impress college admissions

What is AP (Advanced Placement)?

Advanced Placement (AP) is a program in the United States and Canada crafted by the College Board, offering college-level curricula and exams to ambitious high school students. With good AP scores, colleges may allow you to skip intro courses, as well as grant you course credits.

Additionally, AP courses are available in over 30 subjects, ranging from sciences and mathematics to humanities and arts, providing students with the flexibility to pursue their academic passions.

Why should you care about Advanced Placement (AP) courses?

If you're looking to ramp up your high school experience or get a head start on college credits, AP courses might be your ticket. AP courses are not just another set of classes—they're designed to challenge you, push you out of your comfort zone, and help you dive deep into tougher subjects.

Moreover, excelling in AP courses can strengthen your college application, showcasing your ability to handle tough coursework and your commitment to academic excellence.

The best part? They can also save you some cash in college.

How can AP courses affect college costs?

Once you ace that AP exam, you're pretty much golden. Many colleges in the US and beyond might grant you placement or even course credit.

That means you might skip some intro classes in college. So, while your buddies are struggling with Intro Algebra, you're diving into something more advanced, maybe even Quantum Mechanics (if that's your thing).

1. Credit transfer: Many institutions accept AP scores, allowing students to bypass some beginner courses.
2. Saving money: AP classes may get you credits, which means you’ll need fewer classes to graduate, saving you money.
3. Scholarships: Showcasing AP courses on your transcript can make you a prime candidate for scholarships. And hey, who doesn't love free money?

TuitionHero Tip

There’s no catch, besides studying hard to ace your exams and paying the exam fee (which is not super high when you compare it to the cost of college credits).

The history behind AP

After World War II, the members of the Ford Foundation initiated several studies to explore how American academic competitiveness could be improved. One recommendation, which emerged from collaborative research between three elite prep schools and three elite colleges, was to create achievement exams that allowed bright students to enter college with advanced standing.

Fast forward to today, and those achievement exams are known as Advanced Placement tests. Since then, the College Board, a large non-profit in New York City, has taken the reins, making AP a national sensation.

• 1955: The year the College Board officially began overseeing the AP program.
• 2006: Over 1 million students took AP exams.
• $97: The cost of an AP exam in 2023. But hey, there are subsidies and financial aid options available!

How do AP exams work?

You've slogged through the course, and now it's test day. The exams kick off in May, stretching over ten school days. Here's the low-down:

• Scoring: You'll get a score between 1 and 5.
  • 5 – You're a rockstar! Extremely qualified.
  • 4 – Solid choice! Well qualified.
  • 3 – You did good! Qualified.
  • 2 – Maybe, just maybe, possibly qualified.
  • 1 – Well, let's not go there.

You can also prepare for AP exams by using official College Board resources, joining study groups, and attending review sessions offered by your school.

TuitionHero Tip

Previously, you received penalties for wrong answers on the test, but this rule was removed in 2011. Now, you only rack up points for questions you get correct, so it’s in your best interest to guess, even if you don’t know the right answer.

What's new in the AP world?

The world of AP is always evolving, adapting to the needs of the students and the demands of the academic world. Here's what's shaking things up:

The debut of AP African-American studies

This one's a game-changer! In the 2022-2023 school year, the College Board went all out and launched a pilot AP African-American Studies course.

It's the first new AP course since 2014. Currently, around 60 high schools are piloting this course.

Introduction of online AP courses

With the rise of digital education, many schools now offer AP courses online, providing greater flexibility and accessibility for students.

The rise and fall of AP courses

Some AP courses have soared in popularity, while others have gently faded away. Remember when AP Computer Science AB or AP French Literature were all the rage?

Well, as of 2009, they took a bow and exited the stage. However, the AP Italian Language and Culture course made a smashing comeback in 2011.

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Dos and don'ts of taking AP courses

Now, if you're thinking of joining the AP gang, there are some clear do’s and don'ts to consider. Let's break it down in a neat table:

Advantages and disadvantages of taking AP courses

Taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses is bold, daring, and not for everyone. However, it's essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of taking AP classes in high school before diving in.

Advantages of taking AP courses

• Higher weighted GPA: AP courses often have a weighted grading scale, which means acing them can boost your GPA higher than a regular course. With AP courses, you can potentially go above a 4.0!
• College credits: Score well on the exam, and bam! You can earn college credits before even setting foot on a college campus. Many colleges will accept AP courses for credit if you score above a 3 on the exam.
• Impress college admissions: Show them you're not just another fish in the pond. Taking AP courses demonstrates initiative and a willingness to challenge oneself.
• Skill development: Beyond the academic content, AP courses refine skills like critical thinking, time management, and perseverance.

Disadvantages of taking AP courses

• Intense workload: These courses aren't called "advanced" just for kicks. They're demanding, and you'll feel the heat.
• Stress: With great challenges come...well, a lot of stress.
• Cost: Taking the AP exam isn't free. Each exam costs $97 on average. For some, the cost, even with subsidies, might be a deterrent, though the exam is much cheaper than the equivalent college credits, if your college ends up accepting them.
• Not always recognized: Not every college or university might recognize or give credit for all AP courses. This may be a factor in which college you end up choosing.

Why trust TuitionHero

AP courses set you up for success, but college tuition can be overwhelming. That's where TuitionHero comes in. We offer private student loans, student loan refinancing, scholarships, FAFSA assistance, and credit card offers to support your financial needs. While you focus on acing your AP exams, let us handle the financial side of your college journey.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How do AP courses prepare students for college?

AP (Advanced Placement) courses are designed to give high school students a taste of college-level academics, challenging them with more rigorous content and expectations. These courses not only prepare students academically for college but also help them develop essential skills like critical thinking, time management, and perseverance.

By successfully completing AP courses and exams, students can earn college credits, potentially allowing them to skip introductory courses in college, thereby saving time and money.

What are the financial benefits of taking AP courses?

One of the key financial benefits of taking AP courses is the potential to earn college credits if you score well on the AP exams. This can translate into savings on college tuition, as you may need to take fewer courses to graduate. Additionally, showcasing AP courses on your transcript can enhance your eligibility for scholarships.

Who is eligible for AP courses?

Generally, any high school student who plans to take AP exams is eligible for advanced placement courses, given that the high school supports AP courses. This option is particularly beneficial for students planning their college credits and academic trajectories.

Final thoughts

Dive into APs if you're up for the challenge. Not only will you be mentally stimulated, but you'll also be setting up your future self for some sweet, sweet benefits. Remember, it's not about the grind; it's about the growth. So, are you ready to take the plunge?

Sources

• Advanced Placement - Wikipedia
• Advanced Placement (AP) classes are college-level courses you take in high school.
• The College Board Advanced Placement Program
• AP Eliminates Guessing Penalty
• About AP Scores – AP Students | College Board