Though a high score can be a great way to flaunt your child’s hard work and ability to do well on standardized tests, they tend to matter more once your child starts college. However, it’s important to weigh those benefits against the real cons and figure out if they fit well with your future plans or not. Thinking of taking an AP test or two in high school? A strong, solid GPA that highlights successful AP coursework shows that you’re willing to put in the effort for scholarship and fellowship opportunities. Why take AP classes? The goal is for your child to showcase their interest in learning, while also demonstrating their interest in more specific subjects such as science, math, or history. Unlike AP classes, AP exams are a single test score. • Talk College To Me is a community help parents navigate the college admissions process in a fun and lighthearted manner. As a result, if your child does well in an AP class, it can boost their weighted GPA even beyond the standard 4.0. Unpublished institutional research, Crux Research Inc., March 2007. AP Course Pacing Guides: January–April 2021, District Administrators: Your AP School Year, 2020 AP with WE Service Scholarship Winners, AP Computer Science A Teacher and Student Resources, AP English Language and Composition Teacher and Student Resources, AP Microeconomics Teacher and Student Resources, AP Studio Art: 2-D Design Teacher and Student Resources, AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award, Learning Opportunities for AP Coordinators, Accessing and Using AP Registration and Ordering, Access and Initial Setup in AP Registration and Ordering, Homeschooled, Independent Study, and Virtual School Students and Students from Other Schools, Schools That Administer AP Exams but Don’t Offer AP Courses, Transfer Students To or Out of Your School, Teacher Webinars and Other Online Sessions, Implementing AP Mentoring in Your School or District, Outside the U.S.: Search AP recognition policies (admissions, credit/placement, and scholarship considerations). The College Board, The 10th Annual AP Report to the Nation, February 11, 2014. Taking AP classes can help students: Build skills and confidence. While a score of 3 is the minimum required to earn credit, many colleges require a 4 or 5 before credit is given. The exams are open to any student interested in taking them, and whether your child took the class or not does not change the importance of these exams. Students say the benefits are obvious. The College Board (2014c) argues that the challenge of AP is itself a benefit because it builds college-level study skills and provides opportunities for academic rigor. Many colleges will offer their own language exam that places students into language courses at their specific institution. For motivated high school students, yes! When you explore the benefits of Advanced Placement AP classes, you will see it is a great way to strengthen your college application. The Bottom Line. Pre-AP classes are typically offered to students in late middle school or early high school, and unlike actual AP courses, they don’t provide you with the opportunity to earn college credit or placement advantages. Jump to footnote [3] referrer. Looking at another aspect of AP benefits, ... scored a 3 or higher on an AP exam. Make Yourself Competitive. It’s important that your child sign up for the right balance of coursework so that they can perform reasonably well across the board. To learn more about IB classes, stay tuned for our upcoming article. Both are very much highly regarded, and one is not “better” than the other. Not only can they boost your GPA and strengthen your college application, but high AP scores can earn you college credit! AP classes can radically raise your child’s weighted GPA, as these classes are scaled out of more points than regular classes. Colleges love to see when students are intellectually curious, like challenges, and willingly take on more rigorous coursework—and AP classes serve as an opportunity to for your child to reveal that they are academically motivated. The A.P. For instance, let’s say your child earns college credit for 4 college classes by doing well on 4 AP exams in high school. AP classes serve as an important part of the college application process, and AP exams matter more once your child is in college. Taking an AP class (or several!) But, in reality, there are many benefits of enrolling in AP classes while you’re still in high school, so give AP courses a chance! classes offered at their schools and the number in wealthier districts. AP stands for “Advanced Placement.” AP classes are college level courses taught at high schools, and there are official AP exams that take place at the end of each school year. 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