An Advanced Placement (AP) course is a high school course that prepares students for a national exam. AP courses cover college level material and feature faster pacing and more independent reading than regular high school classes.
The right number of AP courses depends on your student’s abilities, schedule, and goals. Rather than going for the maximum possible number of AP courses, we recommend choosing a few APs that fit your teen’s strengths and interests. The ultimate goal is a schedule that is interesting, challenging, and balanced enough to support overall wellbeing (i.e., leaves time for sleep, physical activity, and friends).
How are AP courses different from honors courses?
While “honors” or "accelerated" courses also show academic rigor, an AP course corresponds to a national AP exam. Some high schools also weigh AP courses more heavily than regular or honors courses when it comes to calculating GPA. For example, an “A” in a regular course is usually weighted as a “4” in the GPA while an “A” in an AP course is often weighted as a “5.” How are AP courses graded?
There are two ways for students to show mastery in an AP subject.
The first is by earning a strong grade in the actual AP class.
The second is by earning a strong score on the AP exam. This exam grade does not factor into a student’s GPA, but it can be sent to colleges separately, much like an SAT or ACT score.
Who takes AP Exams?
Though AP courses and AP tests generally go together, it is possible to take an AP test without first taking the corresponding AP course. (For example, if a student already speaks fluent Mandarin, they may want to take the AP Chinese Language and Culture test to demonstrate their mastery of the subject, even though they haven’t taken Mandarin in school.) Likewise, a student can take an AP course without registering to take the corresponding AP exam. Generally, though, students who take an AP course should take the AP test to show colleges that they have truly mastered the material.
How much is healthy
Many successful students juggle 2 to 4 APs in 11th and 12th grade. Taking all APs, however, can crowd out sleep, sports, arts, and family time. Balance matters here. If your teen is new to AP work, start with one or two AP courses and review after the first grading period.
Quick AP fitness check
Signals to adjust
What they mean to colleges
AP exams are scored from 1 to 5. A “3” shows basic college level understanding, a “4” or “5” shows deeper mastery. A high enough AP score can count as college credit or even allow students to place into more advanced college courses as a freshman. Every college has their own policy about AP scores, however, so students shouldn’t make general assumptions.
AP exam timing
AP exams are taken in May and scores are generally released in early July. Visit the collegeboard AP website for a list of AP courses, test dates, and registration deadlines.
If your student’s school doesn’t offer APs, don’t worry. Students should focus instead on taking the most rigorous courses available. If your student would like to take an AP course that their school doesn’t offer, they can also consider enrolling in an AP course online, or taking a class at a local community college.
If your teen is currently struggling in one or more AP courses, don’t panic! Sometimes all students need is a little outside support. A tutor can help by explaining AP content and by teaching new study skills. The study methods that work for students in Freshman algebra may not cut it in AP pre-calc. It’s normal for students not to level-up study skills until they run into an issue. In this way, AP classes are great opportunities for growth.
At LifeWorks, we don't just prepare students for tests, we prepare them for life. If you're looking for support in helping your child develop academic confidence and life skills, contact us to learn more about our comprehensive approach to student success.
1) How many APs should my teen take each year?
Many students do well with one or two APs the first year they try them, then two to four in later grades, depending on strengths, teacher feedback, and activities.
2) Is it better to take more APs or earn higher grades in fewer APs?
Higher grades in a solid mix is usually better than a large number of APs with low grades. Colleges want to see rigor paired with success.
3) Do AP exam scores matter for admissions?
Transcripts carry more weight, but AP scores can support the story of strength in a subject. They can also help with placement or credit after enrollment.
4) Which APs are good starters?
Choose a strength. For some, AP Psychology or AP Human Geography offers a first step in social science. For others, AP English Language, AP Statistics, or AP Computer Science Principles is a good entry point. Check your school’s track record.
5) How do we know if the AP load is too heavy?
Watch sleep and mood. If your teen is losing sleep most nights, skipping activities, or dreading school, it may be time to make a change or seek some outside support..
6) Should my teen take APs outside of core subjects?
If time allows, one elective AP can be a great fit, for example AP Art and Design or AP Computer Science. Only add it if the core schedule is steady.
References
[1] Lifeworks Approach and Parent Resources (lifeworks.life)
[2] College Board, AP Program Overview and Exam Information (collegeboard.org)
[3] College Board, AP Credit Policy Search for U.S. Colleges (apstudents.collegeboard.org)
[4] National Association for College Admission Counseling, Admission Factors and Course Rigor Guidance (nacacnet.org)
[5] Common App, Guidance on Academic Rigor and Course Selection (commonapp.org)
[6] National Center for Education Statistics, High School Course Taking and Outcomes in the U.S. (nces.ed.gov)
[7] American School Counselor Association, High School Planning and Course Load Considerations (schoolcounselor.org)
