What are AP classes?
AP, or Advanced Placement, classes are college-level courses offered in high school to potentially earn college credits.
To earn college credits at qualifying institutions, students must take a final exam at the end of the school year and score a 3 or above.
Do AP classes count as college credit?
After earning a proficient score on their AP exam, test takers can research qualifying colleges to see if their score can earn college credit.
Most colleges either accept the score as college credit, or they use the score in place of a prerequisite course, allowing room for major centered courses.
Keep in mind that institutions enforce different policies around transfer credits, AP classes, and dual enrollment courses.
Benefits of AP classes
Benefits of taking an AP class in high school include:
- Potentially earning college credits
- Save money by gaining college credits early and skipping introductory courses
- Stand out on college applications
- Increase your weighted GPA
