Erm, So How Exactly Do APs and Honors Work?

<p>Forgive my ignorance, but I've heard a lot about these two and I want to know how they work. I go to a British International School in Nigeria, although I've lived in the US & plan on doing college there. There are no APs or Honors at all.</p>

<p>I'm currently a Freshman, but I'm going to 'retake' freshman year using the US curriculum on an online school very soon.</p>

<p>Anyways, from what I know:</p>

<p>A(dvanced) P(lacement)</p>

<ul>
<li>Authorized by the College Board</li>
<li>Gives college credit</li>
<li>Goes more in depth than Honors or Electives</li>
</ul>

<p>Honors</p>

<ul>
<li>Authorized by the High School or School District</li>
<li>Does not give college credit</li>
<li>Basically an elective that moves at a faster pace</li>
<li>Recommended for Freshmen.</li>
</ul>

<p>Questions</p>

<ul>
<li>If I take an AP course, say, doing Freshman Year, do the exam, and decide to take the same AP course during Junior Year, would I simply be relearning the same coursework?</li>
<li>If I score really well on an AP exam in Freshman year, but decide not do that course for the rest of High School, would I still be able to send it to colleges?</li>
<li>I know most of you don't recommend APs during Freshman Year, but if so which ones do you recommend?
*Can you take an AP exam privately, aside from the set time in May, just like the SAT?</li>
</ul>

<p>Er, that's it for now.</p>