Advanced Placement (AP) is a program administered by the College Board offering college-level courses and exams to high school students. Success on AP exams can earn college credit, advanced placement, or both at many colleges and universities.
AP Courses and Exams
The AP program offers 38 courses across subjects including sciences, mathematics, humanities, arts, and languages. Each course follows a standardized curriculum. AP exams are scored 1-5, with many colleges granting credit or placement for scores of 3 or higher.
Benefits and Considerations
AP courses demonstrate academic rigor to colleges, potentially earn college credit (saving time and money), and develop college-level skills. However, heavy AP loads can cause stress, and not all colleges grant credit for all scores. Quality of instruction varies.