Hello, I’m currently a junior in high school. New this year for my high school, each student is limited to only one lab science class per year (because of lack of funding for lab materials). However, I’ve planned to take AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and Honors Anatomy and Physiology; as a result, I enrolled into Honors Anatomy and Physiology and searched for online alternatives to my AP courses.
At first, I found the free edX courses and jumped at the opportunity, but was doubtful about the effectiveness of the classes and their credibility. After talking to counselors and teachers, I’ve realized late that my courses are not a-g approved, nor are they sufficient for preparation. Additionally, I’ve become very confused about the AP system, as well as college approval for APs.
Can anyone please help me answer my many questions before it’s too late to start on my AP courses?
My questions are as follows:
-Do AP courses validate credit, course advancement, or both in college? In addition, must they be A-G approved for that validation or is the A-G list used only for college applications?
-Is it required to have a valid corresponding course to my AP scores in order to use them for advancement/credit/applications in college later on, or can I just take the AP test?
-What does it mean to be A-G approved, and must my online courses be approved?
-I have found that Apex Learning is A-G approved, as well as AP Collegeboard designated, for the courses I want to take online; however, their Apex Learning Virtual School is not. What is the difference between them?
-I’ve taken AP Chinese at a local school and taken the AP test. However, the course is not A-G approved; does this mean that my work won’t be acknowledged in college applications/credit/advancement?
Thank you in advance.