AP Classes 

What are AP Classes?

Advanced Placement (AP) is a college-level class that is conducted by the College Board. The term “AP class” is often used interchangeably with the term “AP Course“.

The college board offers 39 AP courses. All the 39 AP classes have a test at the end of the year which consists of multiple-choice questions and free-response questions. If students score well on the AP test they can earn college credits and skip some general educational requirements once they enroll in college.

Why take AP Classes?

AP classes offer high school students the opportunity to earn college credit and prepare for the rigors of higher education. A 2015 College Board report found that students who succeed in AP classes are more likely to graduate from college within four years or fewer. 

At least one AP exam was taken by 1,166,311 students in the class of 2022 (34.6% of U.S. public high school graduates) took at least one AP Exam.

729,673 students in the class of 2022 scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam. Taking AP classes and scoring 3 or higher on the AP exams can allow students to skip introductory courses in college. This can save students time and money, and it can also allow them to take more advanced courses sooner.

AP classes also help you earn high school grades which are graded by the AP teacher. The grades are equally important as the AP scores as they let the college know the student’s progress and mastery of the material in an AP class.

In addition to the academic benefits, taking AP tests can also help students learn how to manage their time and perform well under pressure.

Summary

Taking AP classes can help a student prepare for the rigors of higher education, and develop strong academic skills.