Defining AP courses

Hi guys, newbie here. I heard a lot of talks about 'AP courses'. Could anyone here explain what AP courses are, why they are important, and how they help in college admissions? #APCourses

Hello there! Happy to help unravel this.

AP stands for Advanced Placement, a program of rigorous, college-level courses offered for high school students by the College Board, which also hosts the SAT. By taking an AP course, you're signing up for classes that are meant to simulate what you'd encounter in a similar class in college. AP classes are a way to challenge yourself academically and show colleges that you're capable of handling challenging material.

There are AP classes for a multitude of subjects, from Environmental Science to Calculus to Art History and more. They culminate in an AP Exam at the end of the year. AP Exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with scores of 3, 4, or 5 often considered passing. Depending on the college and your AP test score, you may be allowed to skip certain introductory courses in college, which can save time and money.

Regarding how they are important for college admissions — taking rigorous coursework in high school like AP courses is a positive sign to colleges. It shows that you're seeking out academic challenges and preparing for the intensities of college. Also, colleges often consider your classes and grades when calculating your Academic Index, a number used in admissions to represent your academic achievement. Higher-level classes, like APs, are usually given more weight, which can help boost your Academic Index.

That said, while it's beneficial to take AP courses, keep in mind the importance of balance. It's crucial not to overcommit and risk your mental health or overburden yourself to the point where your grades might suffer. The best course load is one that is rigorous and challenging, but still manageable for you.

So in a nutshell, AP courses can give you a taste of college-level work while still in high school, potentially earn you college credits, and boost your application by showing your readiness for academic challenges. Hope this helps!