Advantages of AP Courses

• What are AP classes?

  AP classes are high school classes designed to give students the experience of taking an introductory-level college course. In addition to preparing students for the rigors of higher education, they can also provide college credit.

• How do I know which AP courses to take?

  Talk with your teachers, counselor and college advisors. There’s no specific “best” course to take, but the key is to make sure your AP courses are in line with your college and career goals. In general, maintaining balance — taking history, English and STEM-related courses — is better than loading up on one specific topic.

• How do I figure out what score I need in my AP classes for college credit?

  Check your chosen college’s admission requirements for scores and equivalencies. Wayne State’s is available at wayne.edu/transfercredit/tests.

• Should I take as many AP courses as possible, even if I know I don’t like the subject or may not do well?

  It’s not necessary to take every AP course that your school offers. What’s most important is to take a balance of classes that will work best with your college and career goals; talk with your teachers, counselors and fellow students about which courses might be best. But it’s important to challenge yourself; if a class might require extra work, that might be a good reason to take it.

• Will AP courses require more study time and less time for extracurricular classes?

  That largely depends on courses and teachers, but for the most part you can expect a larger workload in AP classes than in general courses. But it’s worth it, as it prepares you for the intensity of college and allows you to start higher education with clear expectations.
  
  AP courses, however, don’t mean you have to sacrifice your extracurricular activities or times with friends. Talk to your parents, counselors and teachers about how to structure your academic work with hobbies, volunteer and social interests in order to maintain a balanced schedule.

• Will taking AP courses increase or decrease my chances of getting admitted to college?

  Taking AP classes can only help. The intensity and rigor of these classes shows college admission officers that students have challenged themselves. For universities like Wayne State, which use holistic reviews for admission considerations, taking AP classes can help tip the balance to the student’s favor.

• Will taking AP classes really save me money?

  Yes, in both the long and short term. It is much cheaper to take an AP exam than a full college course, and coming in ahead saves you money on classes you do not need to take. But in the long term, AP courses also can help you progress to your degree sooner and increase your loan and scholarship eligibility.

• Are there specific scholarships assigned for taking AP classes?

  While there are not specific AP scholarships, taking AP classes helps provide the rigor that can increase your eligibility for merit scholarships, and could put you in a better position for departmental scholarships throughout your college journey.

• Can I skip general education classes if I take an AP course?

  It’s possible; it depends on the college you plan attending and what their requirements are. Be sure to research your chosen college’s AP policies. Wayne State offers a guide at wayne.edu/transfercredit/tests.

• Will taking enough AP credits allow me to begin college as a sophomore or junior?

  It’s possible; it depends on your college’s requirements. However, realize that ranking as a sophomore or junior only refers to how many credits you have; it may not necessarily mean a quicker graduation date, and being classified as sophomore or junior may impact your financial aid eligibility. Be sure to check with your college advisor to understand how AP credits impact your college education.

• Can I graduate faster by taking AP classes?

  It’s possible, but the greater opportunity provided by AP classes is that they allow for a richer and more diverse college experience. Being able to forgo some general education classes in college can allow you to explore other subjects, take advantage of study abroad experiences, join a student organization and get the most out of your college journey.

• Is there a limit on how much college credit I can get for taking AP courses?

  That depends on the college you plan on attending and their requirements. Be sure to research your chosen college’s AP policies. Wayne State offers a guide at wayne.edu/transfercredit/tests.

• Will taking AP courses really make me better prepared for college?

  Yes. AP courses help you learn to think and study like a college student. Rather than learn and repeat information, they put an emphasis on synthesizing and integrating information. This prepares you for the intense and fast-paced experience of college classes.

• Is it better to get a 3.0 GPA in an AP class or a 4.0 in a general education class?

  That depends on the school, but admission officials like to see students who have shown rigor and a willingness to be challenged. Even if you have struggled in your course, the willingness to try is something that colleges look for.

• What happens if I do poorly in an AP class?

  Not achieving your desired outcome in a high school AP class does not mean disaster for your college career! Taking the course is a great way to show colleges that you are willing to challenge yourself, and the attempt can help you in holistic reviews. If you do poorly in a class, use that as a learning opportunity. Take time to reflect, asses and respond, and treat it as a chance to prepare yourself for future success.

• What happens if I do poorly in an AP class?

  Not achieving your desired outcome in a high school AP class does not mean disaster for your college career! Taking the course is a great way to show colleges that you are willing to challenge yourself, and the attempt can help you in holistic reviews. If you do poorly in a class, use that as a learning opportunity. Take time to reflect, asses and respond, and treat it as a chance to prepare yourself for future success.

• How can parents best support students who are preparing to take AP classes?

  The best way parents can support their high school students who are planning for AP courses is to speak with them about their college and career goals, and encourage them to talk with counselors and teachers to understand which AP classes might best fit with their plans.

• What AP classes look best on a college transcript?

  That depends on what you are trying to achieve and where it fits in your curriculum. Familiarize yourself with college’s requirements and speak to your counselor about what classes might be best for you.

• Does it reflect poorly if I take AP classes as a high school sophomore or junior but not as a senior?

  That depends on the school and a number of different factors. However, it’s important to beware of “senioritis.” Colleges prefer to see students who trend upward, continually taking on more challenges to prepare themselves for higher education.