As the 2024-2025 school year approaches, many high school students are considering their course options, including Advanced Placement (AP) classes. AP courses offer a unique opportunity to challenge yourself academically, prepare for college, and potentially earn college credit. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what AP courses are, their benefits, and how to navigate the AP curriculum.
What are Advanced Placement (AP) courses?
Advanced Placement courses, or AP for short, are college-level courses offered to high school students (but not at every school). These courses are designed and audited by the College Board, ensuring they meet rigorous standards and cover college-level material.
What are the benefits of taking AP classes?
- College Readiness: AP courses help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in college. By taking on the challenge of college-level coursework, you demonstrate your readiness and motivation to succeed in higher education.
- Boost Your GPA: AP classes are weighted differently than regular high school courses, meaning a good performance can significantly improve your overall GPA. This can be advantageous when applying to competitive colleges.
- Earn College Credits: If you score a 3 or higher on an AP exam, you may be eligible to receive college credit, depending on the college’s policies. This can save you time and money in the long run.
- Explore Potential Majors: AP courses allow you to dive deeper into subjects that interest you, helping you identify potential majors or career paths before starting college.
Understanding AP Exams
AP exams are administered annually in May and cover 38 subjects. These exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with scores of 3 or higher generally considered passing. Each exam costs money and consists of multiple-choice questions and free-response sections.
Students have the option of sending one free score report every year they take an AP exam to a scholarship organization or college of their choice. A score report includes all your AP exam scores – even the ones you’ve taken in the past.
You can use the AP Credit Policy Search tool to view which colleges and universities across the United States accept AP credit.
How many AP classes are there?
The College Board offers 38 AP courses across various disciplines, including Arts, English, History, Social Sciences, Math, Computer Science, and World Languages. Some popular courses include:
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB & BC
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP U.S. History
- AP Psychology
For a complete description and breakdown of each course, visit the College Board’s course index page.
Are AP courses hard?
Taking AP classes is challenging; it is college-level coursework designed to help you learn and master subjects! Despite the difficulty, you should take an advanced placement course. They help you discover what major you want to take in college, familiarize you with what colleges expect, boost your GPA, and make you stand out on college applications. Don’t knock it until you try it!
Can I take AP courses at Laurel Springs School?
Laurel Springs School offers more than 20 AP courses! Our High School program features a complete college-prep curriculum. Flexible online learning is personalized for every student, allowing them to receive an education centered around their interests and passions.
Alternatively, The Academy at Laurel Springs for students in grades 6-12 features the same rigorous academic offerings in addition to over 30 classes with live weekly Workshop, interactive and exclusive clubs and activities, a discussion-based course (“Symposium”) with a research and project development focus, and Yearly Seminar, a course aiding students in planning and achieving their postgraduate goals.
Laurel Springs also partners with the Princeton Review to offer students exclusive discounts on AP test prep, SAT/ACT prep, and tutoring.
AP courses offer numerous benefits for high school students, from college readiness and potential credit to exploring interests and boosting GPAs. As you plan your 2024-2025 school year, consider challenging yourself with AP classes at one of the best online private schools in the nation, Laurel Springs!
