“Colleges don’t care as long as they know the coursework is rigorous. Even 5 years ago, the college counselors at the high school were telling parents not to worry about APs (as some had their kids self-study and take the tests anyway). You don’t need to play that game and I hope public schools will move away from the AP race. It’s just a money making enterprise for college board and creates unnecessary stress for students, IMO.”
I think AP’s are very helpful, when used properly.
There are two problems with college today that stand above all others: 1) it is very expensive, and 2) the graduation rates are awful. I read in WSJ that only 53% of students who started a four-year college degree program, have graduated six years later. That’s right, 53% in 6 years. That is just terrible. (I found it! https://www.wsj.com/articles/college-graduation-rate-shrinks-study-finds-1447774973)
So after all that time, 47% of new college students have 6 years of college costs and still do not have a degree. That is truly the worst possible outcome.
A student having credit for even two or three courses when they begin college can have a real impact on their ability to complete their degree, to do it in less time, and to do it with a lower cost. It gives them a low-cost head start, and it gives them confidence. I think that can only be a good thing. We certainly can’t end AP credit and see that 53% rate fall even further.
I do agree that any sort of race to cram in more AP classes is counter productive. What does matter is to take a reasonable number, to focus on core subjects, and to do well. Quality trumps quantity. Learn something well.