Can I earn college credit from AP classes?

Everyone keeps telling me AP classes are good for college credit, but how exactly does that work? Do all colleges give credit for them? And how much of a difference does it make when you're fulfilling your course requirements?

Yes, it's absolutely possible to earn college credit from AP classes, provided you do well on your AP exams. Here's how it works: if you score a 3 or higher (out of a possible 5) on the AP exam, many colleges will award you credit, which can mean a few things. It may allow you to skip over entry-level or general education classes that correspond to your AP subject. However, this varies by college, and even by specific program within a college.

The catch is that not all colleges award credit for AP exams — and among those that do, the score required for credit and the amount of credit awarded can vary widely. It's definitely something to double check when researching schools.

In terms of impact, having college credit before you step on campus can indeed make a big difference. It can potentially save you both time and money. You may be able to graduate earlier or have a lighter course load, which can provide more flexibility for internships, work-study, extracurriculars, or other opportunities in college.

For example, if you're entering college with a significant amount of AP credit, you may be able to graduate in three years instead of four, or you might be able to double major or pursue a dual degree without having to overload on classes. That being said, the opportunities and benefits derived from AP credit depend on a variety of factors, including your university's policy, your major, and your personal academic and career goals.

To sum up, taking AP classes can be worth it for a multitude of reasons — gaining a competitive edge in college admissions, challenging yourself acadically, and indeed, potentially earning college credit. But it's essential to check with particular colleges you're targeting to understand how they handle AP scores.