A guide to taking AP classes in high school

AP classes help you get a head start on college while you’re still in high school. They can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in college tuition, but they come with a higher workload than other high school courses. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about AP classes, from available subjects to exam fees.

What are AP classes?

Advanced placement (AP) classes are college-level courses developed by The College Board and offered to high school students. The classes provide challenging academic experiences capped off by tests, known as AP Exams. Score high enough on the test and you could receive college credit. Available courses cover everything from Latin to United States History.

What are AP exams?

AP Exams test what you've learned in your AP courses and are scored from 1 to 5. The higher your score, the better you did.

In order to receive college credits, you need to take an AP exam and earn a 3 or higher. The class alone isn’t enough to earn progress towards your degree. Many colleges offer 1:1 credit if you score a 4 or 5, or elective credits for a 3. Exact policies vary by school and subject.

For example, if you took the AP Biology Exam and attended Florida State University, here’s a look at what classes you’d receive credit for based on your score:

• 5: You receive eight credits in total for two advanced biology courses – Biological Science I with lab (BSC 2010/L) and Biological Science II with lab (BSC 2011/L).
• 4: You receive four credits in total for Biological Science I with lab (BSC 2010/L).
• 3: You receive four credits in total for General Biology for Nonmajors (BSC 1005/L), a lower-level biology course.
• 1-2: You receive no credit towards your degree.

Important notes about AP exams:

• Some schools don’t offer credit for AP exams but do use them for course placement. Contact your college’s admission department if you have any questions about how your AP classes will transfer.
• The AP Exam isn’t required to pass an AP class. You can skip the test at the end of the year, but you won’t have a chance to earn college credits.
• Alternatively, you can take the exam and skip the class. The course prepares you for the test, but you can sign up for the exam alone. You’ll need to study and learn the material on your own.
• You can also retake AP tests. For example, if you took an AP class in your junior year and scored a 2, you can retake the test in your senior year to aim for a higher grade.

What AP courses are available?

The College Board offers 40 AP classes. Availability depends on your high school. Here’s a full list:

AP Capstone Diploma Program

• AP Research
• AP Seminar

Arts

• AP 2-D Art and Design
• AP 3-D Art and Design
• AP Drawing
• AP Art History
• AP Music Theory

English

• AP English Language and Composition
• AP English Literature and Composition

History and Social Sciences

• AP African American Studies
• AP Comparative Government and Politics
• AP European History
• AP Human Geography
• AP Macroeconomics
• AP Microeconomics
• AP Psychology
• AP United States Government and Politics
• AP United States History
• AP World History: Modern

Math and Computer Science

• AP Calculus AB
• AP Calculus BC
• AP Computer Science A
• AP Computer Science Principles
• AP Precalculus
• AP Statistics

Sciences

• AP Biology
• AP Chemistry
• AP Environmental Science
• AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
• AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
• AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
• AP Physics C: Mechanics

AP World Languages and Cultures

• AP Chinese Language and Culture
• AP French Language and Culture
• AP German Language and Culture
• AP Italian Language and Culture
• AP Japanese Language and Culture
• AP Latin
• AP Spanish Language and Culture
• AP Spanish Literature and Culture

Pros and cons of taking AP classes

Before you sign up for AP courses, weigh the pros and cons to decide which classes you should take and when.

Advantages

AP classes offer several benefits to students, including:

• You could receive college credit. If you score high enough on AP exams, you could get a head start on college degree requirements. You can also save hundreds or thousands of dollars by taking AP classes — they’re a fraction of the cost of tuition.
• They enhance college applications. AP courses show academic rigor and college readiness, two factors colleges are looking for from applicants. As a result, they increase your chances of receiving an acceptance letter.
• You might receive recognition. While there aren’t any scholarships specifically for AP scores, high schools may recognize you for high scores. In addition, The College Board has the AP Scholars Award for students who do well on several exams. You can highlight any awards or recognition you received on college applications.
• Your weighted GPA may be higher. Many high schools weigh grade point averages (GPA), where AP and other advanced courses are worth more than others. Doing well in these can result in a weighted GPA well above 4.0, and colleges notice.

Disadvantages

Keep these considerations in mind before you sign up for too many AP classes in a single year.

• They’re challenging. AP classes are more difficult. They add significantly to your workload, and you need to study for the exam.
• The exam costs money. Each AP Exam costs $99. AP Seminar and AP Research Exams cost $147. If you take several, you’ll pay hundreds of dollars. But it’s still less expensive than college classes and you could qualify for a fee reduction.
• School policies vary. In most cases, you must earn a 3 or higher to earn college credit, and you might only receive credit for a lower-level course with a 3. Research your colleges to learn more about how these credits will transfer. Some schools only use them for placement, meaning you might not get a significant head start on your degree requirements.

How to choose the right AP classes

With AP classes, you want to challenge yourself without overwhelming your schedule. Consider these factors:

• Workload. AP classes are college-level, and they’ll likely require more attention than most high school courses. So, make sure you think you’ll be able to keep up with the work.
• Interests, Strengths, and Goals. Pick AP classes that align with your academic and career goals. It’s easier to do well in a course when you enjoy the topic. Taking AP classes that align with goals could get you a head start on your long-term aims by taking relevant AP classes.
• College Requirements. Consider choosing AP classes that will fulfill college degree requirements. For example, students need to take English 101 and 102 during the first year of college. If you take AP English Language and Composition and score well, you’ll receive credit for both. You free up a slot in your first-year schedule, and you might even be able to take advanced English courses right away.

5 tips for success

1. Get organized. Use a planner to keep track of assignments and upcoming deadlines.
2. Time management strategies. Time management strategies, such as the Pomodoro method or time blocking, help you complete your coursework while lowering stress levels and meeting due dates.
3. Ask for help. Don’t hesitate to ask your teachers questions or seek assistance from classmates or a tutor. There are also several online resources and videos to help you tackle the subject matter.
4. Stay on top of studying and classwork. It’s much more beneficial to study throughout the year rather than cramming it all the week before your AP exam.
5. Take AP practice tests. Practice exams make you better acquainted with the structure and topics covered in the test. Many AP courses use practice tests in the classroom, too.

AP classes FAQ

When should I take AP classes?

In most cases, you can only take AP classes during high school (9th – 12th grade). The only exceptions are AP world language and culture courses, which students can take in middle school (6th - 8th grade) if they can already write, speak, and read the language.

While you could take AP classes in 9th grade, most students take them during their sophomore, junior, and senior years. Talk to your guidance counselor or academic advisor about AP class availability and their schedule recommendations.

How many AP classes should I take?

How many AP classes you should take depends on your goals, workload, and responsibilities. If you’re applying to competitive colleges, aim for eight to 12 AP courses during your high school career.

However, you shouldn’t take eight or more if you can’t comfortably take on the advanced workload. It’s much better to take fewer AP classes and score higher than it is to sign up for too many and become overwhelmed, lowering your grades.

Discuss your options with your academic advisor before signing up for advanced coursework.

How much do AP exams cost?

Most AP Exams in the United States cost at least $99, though your school could ask for more. AP Seminar and AP Research Exams start at $147.

If you register late for the exam (after November 15), it’s an additional $40. You’ll also pay $40 if you decide not to take a test you registered for.

The College Board offers a $37 fee reduction to qualifying students for each AP test.

Do AP courses impact college admissions?

Yes, AP courses can impact your college admissions and even increase your chances of receiving acceptance letters from competitive schools.

AP classes show you challenge yourself and can handle advanced coursework. Colleges look for college readiness and academic rigor from students. Taking several advanced courses and doing well in them can also increase your weighted GPA, giving you an edge over other applicants.

How do I receive college credit from AP classes?

You receive college credit from AP Exams, not the AP classes themselves. You generally have to earn a 3 or higher to receive credit.

College AP policies vary. Some schools grant you 1:1 credit for any AP exams where you earned a 4 or 5, while others use the results for course placement.

AP scores are released in July. After you graduate, your college reviews the results to determine which classes you’ve completed according to their guidelines. If you have any questions about how your school weighs AP classes, visit their website or reach out to the admissions department.

What's the difference between AP and dual enrollment

Some high schools offer both AP and dual-enrollment courses, also known as dual-credit. Dual enrollment are college-level classes through a local school, such as a community college, where students earn college credits. Available courses vary depending on the high school, college, faculty, and student interest.

Although both AP and dual-credit classes help you get started on college, dual enrollment doesn’t require you to score high enough on a separate test. Instead, you take the class as you would any other course. If you do well and your future school accepts the college’s credits, you can transfer them.

Are AP classes worth it?

Yes, AP classes can be worth it to many students. They help you get a start on college courses, show academic rigor, and save you money on tuition. However, that doesn’t mean you should fill up your entire high school schedule with AP courses. Consider the additional workload and meet with your academic advisor to discuss your options.

Your weighted GPA can jump over 4.0 with AP classes. College Raptor’s College Match allows you to see your acceptance chances at thousands of schools, based on your GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and more. Sign up here to learn more.