What Should You Know Before Taking College-Level Courses in High School?

High-achieving high school students may want to challenge themselves by enrolling in Advanced Placement (AP) classes. AP classes offer a more rigorous curriculum and college-level experience that can give students an edge on college applications and even exempt them from some introductory courses. But while taking AP courses provides a lot of benefits, students should know that they’ll have a lot on their plate. 

Read on to learn what students and parents need to know before taking college-level courses in high school. 

How AP Courses Can Make an Impact

For high school students ready for a taste of college, AP courses are a closer approximation of what they can expect. The College Board, which also administers the SAT, is the organization that runs the Advanced Placement program. Students can take courses in subjects as wide-ranging as calculus, music theory, and Latin. Each May, the courses culminate in an AP examination that is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with a higher score being better. Some colleges will award credit for scores of 3 or 4 or higher, which can translate to financial savings and earlier graduation timelines for students when they enter college. Students who prepare well with routine study sessions or Knowt AP study guides can give themselves the best chance of earning top scores. 

While testing out of an introductory chemistry or Spanish class can be helpful, AP courses can do even more for high school students. Taking an AP class indicates that a student has a strong level of ambition and sense of academic commitment. College admission committees can gain a window into a student’s strengths and ability to handle the rigors of college. AP test scores may provide a more balanced view of a student’s academic skills, as well. High school GPA structures can vary widely by school, but AP tests are the same regardless of location. 

Why Students Should Be Careful

Although AP courses are loaded with benefits, they do come with some challenges. Students and parents don’t want to be blindsided by course expectations. And they shouldn’t always assume that AP credits can allow students to skip certain college classes.

For starters, AP courses come with heftier workloads that will consume more of a student’s time. In humanities-focused classes, they can expect denser reading materials and more writing. They’ll need to budget time for assignments that test reading comprehension and be prepared to share their thoughts regularly. Students already busy with extracurriculars or other demanding courses could feel the stress more easily. Parents and students should be mindful of self-care activities to help prevent burnout. 

Additionally, AP credits may not exempt a student from intro courses at every college, even if they score a 5. Some institutions may not believe that AP courses are rigorous enough to be considered equivalent. And while some schools will accept a score of 3 or higher, others may set the bar higher at 4. Students should review the guidelines for AP credits at any colleges they are considering, especially if they are hoping to avoid student loan debt.

Knowing How to Get Ready for AP Courses

With AP course enrollment on the rise, more students are taking the plunge into challenging opportunities to get college ready. But how can students get ready for both the AP class they’re taking and the eventual exam in May? Following a few tips and focusing on time management can be helpful.

Students should familiarize themselves with the exam’s format. This can look different from one class to the next, so it’s best to check each course separately. Some courses may expect a lot of free writing while others could rely on multiple-choice formats. Other tests may ask test takers to show their work to earn partial credit, even if the final answer is incorrect. Further, students should take advantage of resources at their school or online. Practice tests can build familiarity and comfort. Students should study regularly with flashcards or practice questions that can help them solidify their understanding of content. And, as is always true, there’s no shame in asking for help. When students feel overwhelmed or confused, it’s best to work with a teacher, tutor, or parent to map out a preparation plan. 

Take Advantage of AP Courses

Advanced Placement courses in high school can elevate a student’s knowledge, confidence, and readiness for college. Students can learn how to be more diligent about time management, too, as they prep for an AP exam. Yes, AP courses can be demanding and cause moments of stress. But with a consistent effort and willingness to seek help when needed, students can thrive in these challenging college-level courses.