AP or Advanced Placement is a significant area in high school life that you cannot pass over even if you want to. I understand how stressful high school student life is with regular coursework, assignments, and surprise quizzes.
On top of an already heavy workload, taking up AP classes may overburden you.
However, you cannot ignore AP classes’ benefits.
It is a great way to stimulate yourself intellectually. But that is only one single benefit of taking AP classes.
Do you want to know about the rest?
Keep reading.
5 Benefits of AP Classes
Taking up AP classes will have a considerable impact on your college application, as well as your college admissions.
1. AP Classes Boost GPA
Do you want to attend the top Ivy League to pursue further education?
If your answer is yes, you already know that you need good grades to reflect in your transcript to bag such an admission.
AP classes help in boosting the standard GPA from 0.5 to 1.0.
Yes, boosting your GPA is one of the several benefits of taking AP classes. But do you know the advantages of boosting your GPA?
The answer is, securing a merit-based scholarship!
Yes, you heard it right!
Selective colleges and institutions offer financial aid to students who have shown up consistently in their academic careers. Therefore, you will be privy to such scholarships if you score an outstanding GPA.
2. AP Classes Help Succeed in College
AP courses have a similar course structure and difficulty level as an introductory college-level subject. “But how will that help me to succeed in college?” you ask.
This is how AP courses directly help you to do well in your college-level work:
- You do not have to start from scratch in your college classes.
- You will be at the top of the pile because you already know the basics.
Some effort was saved there!
Confused about the number of AP Classes you should take?
Read How Many AP Classes Should I Take to find out.
3. AP Classes help Earn College Credits
As mentioned previously, AP courses are related to preliminary college courses. As a result, you start college with credits already in your pocket.
You will have more time to pursue your passion, take part in college extracurricular activities, or go for a part-time job.
Receiving college credits early in your career increases your chances of graduating sooner. You will save tons of dollars on college tuition!
The labor that you undergo during high school will reflect in your college credits.
I guarantee you!
4. AP Classes Have Global Credential
Did you know that AP can be used in admissions in more than 60 countries and earn credit in more than 100 credits worldwide?
You heard it right!
Countries outside the United States of America, like Canada, and the United Kingdom, accept AP scores. Your AP will impact your admission, placement, as well as scholarship decisions.
Also, your credits will transfer internationally!
Therefore, if you are looking to study abroad, this is your opportunity to highlight your transcript to the college board and show your credibility as a dedicated student.
Check out EnthuZiastic AP Courses to learn with the best teachers.
5. AP Classes Help in Following Your Passion
AP has more than 30 subjects, catering to the various interest areas of the students. Whether science, humanities, or creative arts, AP has something for everyone!
Considering AP courses early in your high school career will also help you understand where your passions lie.
High school is also a great time to experiment with your subject choice to understand whether you like something or now.
As a child, I was fascinated with both numbers and literature. Also, I used to score decent in Mathematics and English Literature. I was at a crossroads, deciding what to take up for my career.
Therefore, I decided to take up AP Calculus and AP Literature and Composition in my sophomore year. But, soon into the course, I realized that I am more inclined to the sensitivity of literature rather than calculus. This exposure helped me immensely in determining my career options.
Give yourself enough time and exposure to decide not only the subject you are passionate about but also the subject you are good at.
FAQs
Do colleges prefer AP or honors?
Both are popular with colleges. Most high schools emphasize your transcript for honors and AP classes since they are challenging courses.
What is the least taken AP class?
Since international language examinations often cater for a more specialized group of students, they are the least popular AP exams. Additionally, specific languages are taught in selective high schools, which makes accessibility a problem.
What happens if you fail an AP class senior year?
Your GPA will probably drop if you flunk an AP course, just like if you failed a regular class. Additionally, this grade appears on your transcript. To improve your mark and boost your GPA, you might be eligible to repeat the course the following year.
What APs do colleges like?
Take the most challenging AP classes offered at your school if you want to be considered for the most competitive universities. These courses should include AP English Literature and Language, AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP European History, and at least one of the sciences, be it, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
Secure Your College Admission
Score 4 or above in your AP tests. Learn with the best teachers.
Final Thoughts
Taking AP classes has several benefits. But most importantly, you develop essential skills such as time management, critical thinking, and scholarly writing through AP classes. These skills will not just suffice to your college life but will prove fruitful in your future endeavors.
Therefore, it’s time for you to select an AP course for yourself and prepare well. With enough rigor, I am sure nothing can stop you from enrolling in your dream college.
Don’t think twice!