We will see are colleges look at AP classes or not in this article.There are various factors that might have an influence on a college’s decision to admit a particular student over another one. In order to speed up this decision-making process, highly selective schools such as Ivy League schools make use of a tool known as the Academic Index (AI). The AI takes into account criteria such as GPA, class rank and SAT scores to assess a student’s academic performance. Since advanced placement (AP) classes can help boost GPA, it is an important consideration to make in preparation for college education.
Do Colleges Really Look At AP Classes?
Colleges do look at AP classes and might use them as a filtering index to admit students. However, not every school offers many or any AP classes. This means you won’t necessarily be penalized for not attending classes not present in your school. Though some students decide to self-study for AP classes, it would be impressive if you go down this path and perform brilliantly.
Pros and Cons Of AP Classes
AP classes are designed to afford students the opportunity to experience college courses at an introductory level while still in high school. It is not uncommon for teens to enroll in multiple AP classes over the duration of their high school education. Like most things, AP classes have their advantages and disadvantages. If you have a thought of enrolling in AP classes, then it is advisable you consider these pros and cons.
Pros:
Variety of courses: AP class offerings provide courses that encompass various interests and disciplines. Thus, enrolling in way can show colleges that you are willing to take a challenge for your education.
College preparation: AP class curriculums offer work and study that may be considered challenging. This sort of mirrors what students are expected to face in college, so it would not be far-fetched to classify AP classes as a sort of college prep.
Helps to boost GPA: Since AP classes are graded on a higher scale, excelling in them might act as a boost to your overall GPA.
College credit: AP classes can also help high school students earn early college credits. This is however dependent on some circumstances.
Rigor: Enrolling for AP classes can show colleges that you are capable of taking on additional weight and difficulty. This helps in improving your profile in the eyes of college admission panels.
More opportunities for grants and scholarships: Class rankings, test scores and grades you earn can assist you in gaining mor opportunities for scholarships and grants.
It is an opportunity to build up your personal skills: The first semester of college can be very tricky for students. It is usually the first time for many students to be independent. When you take a couple of AP classes, then it can afford you the simulation of what it feels to be in college due to its demanding structure.
Cons:
Higher challenge: AP classes can pose unexpected challenges to students who enroll in them when it comes to amount of time it needs and the difficulty of the courses.
Costs of the exams: Taking AP classes is an expensive endeavor. Each one might cost up to $100 and this amount increases with the number of classes taken.
Non-uniform valuation of AP scores: Scores of AP tests and classes are not equally valued by all colleges. Some colleges might value AP classes and exams more than others. It is important for students to understand how individual boards of admission weigh AP scores so as to select colleges or universities that hold AP classes and grades in high regard.
Completing AP classes can severely limit the social aspect of your life: AP classes usually take students outside their normal routine. This creates less time for gatherings because the focus has now been turned to studying for AP classes
Conclusion
AP classes are essential in helping students prepare for college. It can also serve as another way to explore various subjects in order to discover what a student has passion for, enough to pursue a future in. The work involved in AP classes can however be daunting. Some students later make the discovery that the work does not suit them. Taking multiple courses in one semester can also turn out to be too much workload. This is why it is important to seriously consider the pros and cons of AP classes at the personal level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many AP classes should a student enrol in?
Some colleges place great value on AP classes. This does not mean that a student should take all available AP class. Since many schools do not offer AP classes, their college admission boards do not always consider them as an important pre-requisite for admission into college. Some schools also have a limit on the number of AP classes one might take.
What should I do if my school does not offer AP?
Students from colleges which do not offer AP are reviewed within that context. Most colleges, in fact do not review AP scores during admissions. AP classes are mainly used by highly selective schools to determine credit and class placement.
Is there a difference between AP classes and honours classes?
Honours classes usually cover the same material that regular classes cover but they do so with more insight into the subjects. This means the content becomes more challenging, studying expends more time, projects demand more work and tests become more rigorous. AP classes, on the other hand, serve as an introduction for high school students to the rigors of college training. Unlike honours classes, AP classes can provide college credit for students.
How much do AP exams cost?
AP exams usually cost up to $94. Payment and ordering of all exams must be done separately. Some schools also pay for their students. It is advisable to check with either your AP teacher or school counsellor about options.
