Boost Your College Applications

 

Taking an AP class (or several!) is a great way to challenge yourself academically and show colleges that you're serious about your education. An AP class on your transcript signals stronger academic training, especially with high passing scores of 4 and 5 on the test.

Since AP courses are challenging and require you to study for a comprehensive exam, they teach you skills that will help you in college classes.

 “According to the College Board, students who take AP exams get higher grades in college than those with similar grades who don’t take AP exams”.

Many colleges say that they look to see if you took the hardest courses available to you at your school. Taking AP classes is often the best way to show that you are challenging yourself academically at your high school. 

For example, Yale says on their admissions website, "We only expect you to take advantage of [AP] courses if your high school provides them.” In other words, if your school has AP courses and you don’t take them, it might look as though you aren't challenging yourself. 

Getting a high passing score of 4 or 5 further demonstrates your academic potential to colleges.

 (By the way, if you're curious about a college's suggested high school course load, look up its admissions website by searching "[School Name] admissions requirements.")