Should You Take AP Courses in High School?

If you have walked down your school hallway and heard students talk about AP Bio or AP Calc, you might wonder: What are AP courses—and should I take one? Many high school students take Advanced Placement (AP) courses to boost their academic profile, but you need to evaluate whether these courses are the right choice for you. Hence, it is important to understand what AP courses are, how they can affect your high school experience and future postsecondary applications, and how you should choose them.

AP Courses - College-level courses for high school students

About AP Courses

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college-level courses offered to high school students. The College Board introduced them around 1955 to challenge students with a more rigorous curriculum and to emulate a college-level classroom, allowing students to earn college credit. These courses are designed by experienced college faculty and secondary school teachers. AP courses are recognized in many U.S. colleges and institutions worldwide. 

Currently, there are 40 AP courses offered in seven different categories: Arts, English, History and Social Sciences, Math and Computer Science, Sciences, World Language and Cultures, and the Capstone Diploma Program.

AP Exams and Scores

At the end of each AP course, you take a standardized AP Exam. You register for the exam through your school or a designated AP test center in your area. AP Exams are offered only once a year in May, and the scores are released in July. 

Starting in May 2025, 28 AP courses will have digital exams. Of these 28 courses, 16 are fully digital and 12 are hybrid digital. The remaining courses will be paper-based.

Most AP Exams are two to three hours long. The exam structure varies by subject, although most exams comprise two sections: multiple-choice and free-response. There is no penalty for incorrect answers.

The AP scores range from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Some universities and colleges may give you college credit or advanced placement if you score well (typically a 3, 4, or 5). Highly selective institutions may require a score of 4 or 5 on the ACT. 

The AP Score Scale:

5: Extremely well qualified

4: Very well qualified

3: Qualified

2: Possibly qualified

1: No recommendation

Ways to Take AP Courses

You can take AP courses at your school, online or study independently. The College Board’s AP Course Ledger lists authorized AP course providers globally. 

High school: Check your school’s website or talk to your guidance counsellor to see if AP courses are offered at your school. In some schools, students need approval from their teacher or guidance counsellor before enrolling in an AP course.

Online: If you cannot access AP courses at school, you can take AP classes online. Make sure that the online course is authorized by the College Board and taught by a qualified teacher. Check how much the course costs, the technology requirements for taking the online course and whether you will get technical support if needed. 

Independently: You can study on your own and prepare for the AP exams. You can use AP textbooks or free online resources to enhance your learning. If you want, you can hire a tutor to help you. Since they are college-level courses, they require self-discipline, motivation and good time management skills. 

Pros and Cons of Taking AP Courses

Higher GPA (Weighted): The range of GPA scores on a regular course is from 0 to 4, called the unweighted GPA. Many schools in the U.S. give an extra GPA point for AP courses, meaning that your GPA score will range from 0 to 5. For example, if you took a regular microeconomics course and got an A, your unweighted GPA will be 4.0. However, if you took AP Microeconomics and got an A, your weighted GPA will be 5. Hence, this boosts your transcript and can be appealing during the admission process. If you’re taking an AP course, ensure you’re committed to studying for the exam, earning a high score and not lowering your GPA.

However, there is a shift in some postsecondary institutions that recognize the negative impact of AP course overload on students' mental health. They are either capping the number of AP credits accepted or using AP scores for advanced placement classes rather than awarding course credit. 

Admissions Advantage in Postsecondary Education: One of the biggest reasons students take AP courses is to boost their applications when applying to postsecondary institutions. Taking AP courses shows that the student can handle rigorous coursework, a quality valued by admissions officers. How much it helps a student’s chances of admission depends on how selective the institution is, how good the student’s AP Exam scores are, and how consistently the student takes the most rigorous course load possible. Research the postsecondary institutions you're interested in to check their AP course policy.

Earn College Credit: Some postsecondary institutions may allow students to skip introductory courses or earn college credits on qualifying scores on AP exams. This can help students save on tuition costs, skip introductory courses or graduate early. Hence, it can be a good strategy for students who wish to reduce their tuition costs or have a lighter course load. Check the College Board’s AP Credit Policy for colleges that accept AP scores. 

There are other high school options, such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), Honours, or dual credit courses, that offer credit for postsecondary institutions. Learn about the difference between AP and IB courses to help you decide which option works for you. Explore the options available at your school and determine which one best aligns with your goals. 

Explore Interests: You can explore different majors through AP subjects. It can help you dig deeper into the subject and decide whether to pursue it as your postsecondary major. For example, if you love psychology, consider taking AP Psychology in high school to see if you enjoy the subject and can handle it in college.

Rigorous Courses: AP courses are more difficult than regular high school courses because they follow a college-level curriculum. They require more reading, writing, problem-solving, and independent study. If you struggle with heavy workloads, time management or managing multiple deadlines, taking too many AP classes at once could be overwhelming. Be strategic about the number and type of APs you take. Some AP courses are harder than others. Focus on quality and interest rather than quantity. Take AP courses you are passionate about that align with your interests and career goals, rather than merely using them as a GPA booster or admissions strategy. AP courses may not be the best choice if you prefer hands-on learning instead of exams or plan to attend a college that doesn’t offer credit for AP.

Higher Stress: Since colleges often weigh AP courses more heavily in GPA calculations, students may enroll in multiple AP classes, sometimes without genuine interest in the subject, to gain a competitive edge. The pressure to maintain high GPAs in AP classes and perform well on exams may lead to high stress and burnout, resulting in sleep deprivation and mental health challenges for many students. 

The intense homework and study requirements may also affect your ability to enjoy your high school experience. Learn how to manage your stress and learn to plan your time wisely if you’ve taken AP courses and are involved in extracurricular activities or a part-time job. Use a planner to track your assignments and allocate specific time slots for studying. It is important to be aware of how much you can manage without overexerting yourself. Talk to your guidance counsellor, teacher, and parents to help you create a balanced schedule that challenges you academically without compromising your mental health or extracurricular activities.

Cost: While AP courses are typically free at most schools, taking the AP Exams costs money. The exam fees vary; for the U.S. and Canada, the fee is USD 99 per exam, and outside the U.S., it is USD 129. If you plan to take multiple AP exams, consider whether you can afford the exam fees. If you qualify for financial aid, you may be eligible for a reduced fee.

Choosing AP Courses

Not all AP courses are the same in terms of difficulty and workload. Some are easier to manage, while others are highly challenging. It is better to avoid taking AP courses in grade 9 and instead, focus on building a strong foundation in the subjects while exploring your interests and developing the study and time management skills needed to succeed. Consider taking 1-2 AP courses in grade 10. 2-4 AP courses in grade 11 are manageable for most students, depending on their ability and schedule. You can take more AP courses in grade 12 based on your preparation and interests. Check with your school about their AP policy, as some schools restrict AP enrollment to grades 11 and 12 and require prerequisites like high grades in previous courses and teacher recommendations to ensure students are prepared for the rigorous coursework. 

Pick the courses based on your strengths, interests, and future college major. If you're interested in STEM, consider taking AP Calculus and Physics, as they both pair well since they require strong math skills. Similarly, if you wish to pursue pre-med or life sciences, consider taking AP Biology and AP Chemistry. AP Economics (Micro and Macro) with AP Statistics are ideal for business and economics majors. 

Conclusion

AP courses are challenging but can be a powerful tool to prepare you for college. Pursue APs in subjects you are genuinely interested in that align with your academic and career goals, rather than those that simply "look good" on applications. Ensure you have a meaningful and enjoyable educational experience.

Talk to your teachers or a guidance counsellor and choose what’s right for you. You can contact us at admissionelements@gmail.com or book a 1-Hour Session to discuss which AP courses would be a good fit for you.