<p>
[quote]
i also found that I can find the state colleges' qualified admissions website and see the approved AP courses for them.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>It is not necessary for students to avoid AP courses that are not approved by a particular college. Taking such a course does not count against the student. The college simply does not give credit toward college graduation for passing that particular AP exam.</p>
<p>
[quote]
can an ap course be substituted for a required h.s. course? in other words, can a student substitute the ap course for a required course and receive credit from their high school? i'm prompted to ask this because I think there are indeed AP courses now available as early as 9th grade in our district.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>This depends on the particular school and the particular course. You need to ask your own school's guidance department. Sometimes, the AP course may omit material that your state requires the high school course to cover. For example, the AP American Government course does not cover the state and local government of your particular state, but your state may require that this be covered in the required high school government course.</p>