Hello guys,
is it recommended to take the AP exams? I mean if you dont take them do you need some really lame or extra classes? like for english, history or main subjects? If i dont, will it take extra time and delay my graduation date?
I haven’t heard of not being able to graduate because you don’t have the AP credit. But, that credit can be helpful for getting out of general ed requirements (english or math, for example) or going straight to an advanced course rather than doing the intro level. Also, if you wanted to take a lighter semester, you might be able to use some of your AP credits so you don’t fall behind.
** What are AP Classes? **
AP courses are rigorous, college-level classes in a variety of subjects. AP (Advanced Placement) courses are challenging courses. You take the class, and at the end of the year you take a standardized test with students all across the country. Generally, if you get a 4 or 5 (out of 5), you will get credit for the class in College. A year AP class is the equivelent of a semester class in college.
https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse
**Do I have to take the AP Test? **
Check with your guidance counselor. Most schools don’t make you take the AP test but some may have it as part of your grade. AP tests results are not really used in admissions because many people wouldn’t have taken them until senior year and you would be admitted by then. If you are in an AP class I would take them because if you do well you may get credit. If you don’t do well there in not much downside to admissions.
**Does AP really help you in university? I’ve heard the ‘might get you credit/let you skip classes’ ? **
Yes, you can get credit for classes. Each college tells you how much credit you get. Here is an example:
https://admission.case.edu/apply/ap-ib-and-college-credit/
Sometimes that means you can skip the class, or sometimes it means you move on to the next class. You have to look at each college. If you get enough credits you may be able to skip an entire semester.
**Do AP classes ‘look great on your transcript’? **
Yes, because you are taking the most challenging courses you can. Top schools want to see that.
For example
“Academic Excellence
The primary criterion for admission to Stanford is academic excellence. We look for your preparation and potential to succeed. We expect you to challenge yourself throughout high school and to do very well. The most important credential that enables us to evaluate your academic record is the high school transcript. Remember, however, that our evaluation of your application goes beyond any numerical formula. There is no minimum GPA or test score; nor is there any specific number of AP or honors courses you must have on your transcript in order to be admitted to Stanford.”
http://admission.stanford.edu/basics/selection/
**What if my school only has 1 AP class? **
Schools evaluate you in the context of your school. If your school has 20 AP classes and you take 1, that is different than if your school has 1 AP and you take it.
An example ffrom Stanford again:
“Personal Context
Just as no two Stanford students are the same, each applicant to Stanford is unique. This means that as we review each application, we pay careful attention to unique circumstances. We take into account family background, educational differences, employment and life experiences. By focusing on your achievements within context, we evaluate how you have excelled within your unique school environment and how you have taken advantage of what was available to you in your school and community.”
http://admission.stanford.edu/basics/selection/
**Should I self-study APs? **
If you want credit in college, then yes it is okay to do that. If you want it to look good for colleges, then no. Colleges generally don’t take self-studied AP tests in consideration for admission. Colleges want to see how you do in classes… You should pick classes that are more likely to be accepted and you are more likely to pass and you are more likely to get credit for. An example would be AP Micro or Macro Economics. An example that would not work would be AP Biology because you are not taking the lab.
**Are there alternatives to AP classes if my school doesn’t offer them? **
Yes.
Dual Enrollment is taking classes at your local Community College while you are still in HS. You don’t have to pay for the classes. Other names might be: Running Start, PSEO, College in School, CollegeNow
CLEP: College Level Examination Program. You can take these tests to "place out"of a class in college. Check
https://clep.collegeboard.org/exam
For example: https://advisingresources.tcnj.edu/test-credit/college-level-examination-program-clep/
If you want the credit sure, but be careful. I know some medical/dental schools don’t accept AP credit for pre-reqs.