Do AP® Classes Matter to Colleges?

While in high school, you make a lot of decisions that impact your future college career. It’s no different when it comes to AP® classes. You have to decide whether to take advanced courses offered by your school and then whether to sit for AP exams.

You may have wondered, “Should I take AP classes?” or “Is it worth it to take AP classes?” If you have already decided to take AP classes, then you may ask yourself, “How many AP classes should I take?” and “Which AP courses should I take?”

It’s a lot to sort through and can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to be strategic in planning your high school course schedule. We know that AP classes matter to colleges. Competitive schools want you to take the most advanced curriculum available to you. Let’s break down everything you need to know about advanced courses and how they can help you stand out in the college admissions process.

What is an AP class?

Advanced Placement (AP) classes are college-level courses offered by the College Board at many high schools. Each course has a corresponding exam that you can choose to take to earn college credit.

AP vs. Pre-AP vs. Honors vs. Dual Credit vs. IB

You have options when it comes to advanced classes. Many high schools offer a variety of courses designed to challenge students and prepare them for higher education. Remember to explore how a course can benefit you before putting it on your schedule.

Types of courses vary from school to school, and colleges know that not every high school has the resources to teach these advanced courses. The most important thing is to challenge yourself and make the most of what’s available to you.

While these types of high school courses are quite similar, there are a few important differences to consider. Below is a breakdown of what to expect from each type of course.

AP

There are 38 AP courses in various subject areas: art, English, history, social science, math, computer science, the physical sciences, and world languages. You get to decide which AP classes to take, but keep in mind that most high schools won’t offer all 38 AP courses.

All of these classes involve an advanced curriculum designed to challenge you. These courses have a weighted GPA, meaning you receive more points for taking them than your typical high school course. After completing the class, you can choose to take a national exam covering the course material. Many colleges will award full or partial course credit for high scores on specific AP exams. However, it’s important to check with the college first to determine how much credit you will receive.

Pre-AP

“Pre-AP” is a label that many high schools have used to indicate that the class prepares students for future AP classes. In previous years, there were official and unofficial pre-AP classes. The official pre-AP classes would follow a curriculum approved by College Board. Unofficial pre-AP classes were not approved by College Board, and they were quite similar to honors classes.

Starting in fall of 2022, all classes labeled as “pre-AP” are required to have approval from College Board. All students will have access to these approved courses if they meet certain grade level requirements.

Honors

Honors courses are more challenging than general high school classes. Teachers design these courses to help prepare gifted and advanced students for higher education. However, these courses are not standardized like AP classes, meaning each school creates its own curriculum. Students do not receive college credit for honors courses, but they might receive weighted GPA for the course.

Dual Credit

The dual credit system exists so that eligible high school students can enroll in a college course(s) and obtain both high school and college credit by passing the course(s). The student only has to pass the class to receive the credit. They don’t have to take an exam after completing the class. Students may receive more GPA points depending on their high school.

Colleges vary on whether they accept dual credit courses. For example, Texas law requires all public colleges in the state to accept dual credit core classes. However, this requirement does not apply to private and out-of-state colleges. For example, Rice University doesn’t accept dual credit courses.

Before enrolling in dual credit, contact the Registrar’s Office of the college(s) you are planning to apply to and verify if they will accept dual credit courses from your high school as transfer credits.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The IB program challenges students to develop a global focus while strengthening their academic skills across subject areas. The program is designed for 11th and 12th graders and offers an IB diploma based on the student’s performance on IB exams and completion of additional program requirements. Participants receive more GPA points since the classes are advanced. Students can earn college credit if they score high enough on the IB exams, but colleges vary in whether they will award credit.

Benefits of Taking AP Courses

Prepare for College

The AP program is designed to prepare you for college. That’s why the courses are rigorous and designed to make you work hard.

Don’t let the challenge scare you away. Taking an AP class in a subject area that aligns with your skills and interests will help strengthen your transcript. These classes will better prepare you for college, and it can be helpful to enter college with a handful of your general education requirements already finished. These courses will also help you develop the reading, writing, testing, critical thinking, and studying skills necessary to succeed in college-level courses.

Looks Good for Admissions

As we’ve mentioned before, colleges want you to take the most advanced curriculum available to you. They’re looking for students who are willing to challenge themselves and can handle a rigorous workload. And remember, your transcript is an important piece of your college application. Succeeding in advanced courses can help you show that you’re ready to take on the college experience at your dream college.

Earn College Credit

You have the opportunity to save time and money by sitting for your AP exams. Many colleges will award credit for high AP scores. College courses can be expensive, and lightening your future workload could free up time in the future to focus on more challenging aspects of your college experience (like internships, extracurriculars, and upper-level courses).

Remember that each college differs in which classes they offer credit for and the score that they’ll accept. The College Board has an AP Credit Policy search tool you can use to look up specific colleges’ policies regarding AP credit. You can search by an individual college or by the AP course.

Boost Your GPA

Typically, unweighted GPAs are on a 4.0 scale, with an “A” equaling a 4.0 and F equaling a 0. With a weighted GPA, students are given an extra point for advanced classes, such as AP, Honors, and IB classes. For example, an “A” in AP English would be a 5.0 instead of a 4.0. Weighted GPAs are given to prevent students from getting a higher class ranking when taking only easy classes.

Having a weighted GPA will matter more with regards to your class rank as opposed to the GPA that colleges look at for admissions. Colleges typically look at your unweighted GPA and whether you took advantage of the advanced classes available to you. Keep in mind that students at schools with more AP classes will not be given an advantage over students at schools with only one AP class available.

AP Scores

AP exam scores range from one to five with five being the highest score.

● 5 = Extremely well qualified
● 4 = Well qualified
● 3 = Qualified
● 2 = Possibly qualified
● 1 = No recommendation

The College Board does not require you to take the exams for the AP classes you complete. However, some high schools require that you sit for the exams of any AP classes you take. Talk to your campus AP coordinator or guidance counselor to find out your high school’s requirements.

The College Board also allows students to sit for exams even if they have not taken the course. Although they don’t recommend this, it does give students the option to take exams of AP classes not offered by their high school.

During the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the College Board made changes to their testing and score reporting process. As of 2022, they have gone back to their original process of a fall deadline for test registration, May exam dates, and summer score release dates.

When to Report Your AP Scores

If you have a strong score of a 4 or 5, it’s generally a good idea to report your exam score to your college. Some schools will even award credit for 3’s. Look up what scores your chosen college accepts for course credit. For example, Yale awards credit for 5’s and 4’s in certain subjects, whereas Harvard does not award credit for AP classes. When applying to Harvard, you wouldn’t need to send your scores if you received a 4 or lower, but you’d want to send your 4’s and 5’s to Yale if they were in the appropriate subject areas.

Some colleges have also implemented policies that allow applicants to submit AP exam scores instead of taking the SAT® test. For example, NYU will accept at least three AP scores instead of an SAT test score. If you decide on this option, you will need to request an official AP score report be sent to the college of your choice.

If you received a low score on an exam, don’t feel pressured to send that score to the college you’re applying to. The College Board provides students the option to withhold certain scores from the official score report sent to colleges.

Which AP Classes Should You Take?

There are several factors to consider when determining which AP classes to take. You’ll need to find out information from your high school and your top college choices, and you’ll need to do some self-reflection on what you can fit into your school schedule.

It’s best to start thinking about course selection as early as 8th and 9th grade. Sit down with your parents or guidance counselor to evaluate your goals and build a plan. It can also help to discuss your options with an admissions expert. Our college counseling team can help your student with course selection, as well as several other aspects of the college prep journey.

Identify AP Class Availability

The first step is to find out what AP classes are offered at your high school. Most schools will offer somewhere around eight AP courses. Talk to your guidance counselor to get a full list of the AP classes available to you.

If a particular class is not available, do not worry. Colleges will receive a school profile along with your transcript that provides an overview of a school’s details, such as class size, class ranking policy, and a list of available AP and honors classes. Admissions officers will review your transcript with the understanding that your high school only offers the specific AP courses listed in the school profile.

Take Your Strengths and Weaknesses Into Account

As you work with your guidance counselor to select classes, think about your academic strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you excel in science, think about taking AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, or AP Biology. If you struggle in science, you’d probably be better off taking AP classes surrounding a subject area in which you perform best.

Be a Competitive Applicant

There is no exact number of AP classes that you should take. However, the more selective the college, the more AP classes they expect students to have taken for general admission. Below are some general suggestions based on your school of choice.

Ivy League/Elite Schools – Minimum of 8 AP classes
Top Schools/Honor Programs at State Schools – Minimum of 6 AP classes
Schools with Moderate to Low Competition – Varies by college and degree program

Identify Your Passions and Interests

Next, think about what you’re passionate about. If you already have a major or career path in mind, select AP classes that interest you and align with your anticipated major or career. The College Board has another helpful tool that allows you to connect AP classes to majors and careers.

Review Your Workload and Time Commitments

Take into account what your workload will look like when selecting which classes to take. If you have a lot of extracurricular activities and work outside of school, it’s a good idea to talk to your guidance counselor about how to best organize your schedule to reduce the risk of you getting too overwhelmed. You want to take as many AP classes as you can handle because colleges want to see you taking the most rigorous courses available to you, but not at the expense of your mental health and GPA.

A little stress can challenge you, but too much stress can negatively impact your overall academic performance. Think about how many AP classes are feasible for you to take with your current extracurriculars and commitments while still maintaining your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

Verify Your Top Choice College’s Credit Policies

Lastly, if you already know which college you want to attend, go through the AP Credit Policy search tool to identify which AP classes that college offers credit for and what scores you will need to make on those AP exams. Once you’ve set your benchmark, you’ll be able to build a study plan that will help you reach those goals.

Need Help Aligning Your AP Classes with Your Chosen College and Major?

KD College Prep offers numerous college counseling programs to help you learn how to stand out. We help students navigate the entire college admissions process through planning seminars, test prep courses, boot camps, and one-on-one sessions. Find out more about our programs by scheduling a free consultation with a member of our team today.

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Claudia A. – Class of 2020

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“My favorite things about KD were the mirroring it had to actual test questions, the availability, and the relationships you built with all the teachers and advisors who made the process of... Read more...

Rishab P. – Class of 2021

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“I want to thank both of you so very much for making this dream come true. When I first came to KD, I wanted to get a score of 1520 or... Read more...

David P. – Class of 2022

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Gloria D. – Daughter, Class of 2021

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT^® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I have finished college applications, and I would love to thank all the teachers and aides at KD for giving me the score that I got on the test. Without the extra practice, I wouldn't have been able to get through to the score I got. These past 3 years went by so fast, and it is so fun to look back at where I started and how much I have come out with flying colors. Thank you so much!”

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT^® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I... Read more...

Kareena A. – Class of 2021

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests. The resources were very helpful, and the individualized assistance I received from teachers were what really supported my learning. Special thanks to Ms. Barwick and Mr. Hoffman!”

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests. The resources were... Read more...

Advika R. – Class of 2022

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in class. In conjunction, those two things helped me raise my score a lot because I was not a math kid before KD or high school. The repetition and being able to practice in a non-stressful environment and simulating that testing experience is something that was very beneficial for me... “The college counseling team was super patient and honest about the work I was submitting. I know for a lot of kids, it’s hard to articulate who you are through 250-300 words. It was definitely... Read more...

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in... Read more...

Blaine W. – Class of 2021

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a rising junior at the University of Miami, and my youngest son is an incoming freshman at Vanderbilt University. Steve’s help in navigating the complicated college landscape and finding the BEST FIT for my two sons is what has made this resource invaluable. “What made the biggest difference for my two sons was the depth and breadth of knowledge Steve has of the many universities and colleges in the U.S. First, by getting to know my kids on a one-on-one basis, he was able to... Read more...

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a... Read more...

Julio M. – Parent

“My daughter loved the program—the program materials and the teachers both online and in person. She participated in a year of online and a year of in person. It was incredible enrichment and helped her keep her skills sharp over the summer. She liked being challenged academically, and she loved taking classes with high school students who were focused on their college goals. These students were also excellent role models! The lessons were especially important during the pandemic when it wasn’t a typical middle school experience.”

“My daughter loved the program—the program materials and the teachers both online and in person. She participated in a year of online and a year of in person. It was incredible enrichment and helped her keep her skills sharp over the... Read more...

Beth L. – Advanced Start™ Parent

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT^® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got a 1530 on the December 5th SAT test. KD played a huge role in this, and I just wanted to say thanks to everyone there for helping me achieve this.”

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT^® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got... Read more...

Vyom S. – Class of 2022

"Our twin 16-year-old boys used KD College Prep to study/practice for the PSAT test, and we believe the classes and coaching were invaluable. Very professional and concise. Worth every penny!"

Jerry – Sons, Class of 2022

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests (1520, 1580, and 34). I really appreciate everyone's willingness to be flexible and accommodate my requests!”

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT,... Read more...

Mithra A. – Class of 2022

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT^® test (third time) and a 35 on my ACT® test (first time). I remember the first ever practice test I took for the SAT test was a 1230 (about 1.5 yrs ago) and the first ever practice test I took for the ACT test was a 31 or 32 (about 6 months ago)."

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT^® test... Read more...

Elise P. – Class of 2022

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT^® and ACT^® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents very informative and helpful during the process as well. My son (Jacob) graduated in 2018 and got a 32 on the ACT test. got accepted into Texas A&M but chose Baylor for Health Sciences. My daughter (Morgan) graduated in 2020 and got a 1450 on the SAT test and a 32 on the ACT test. got into an Ivy League school (Cornell) for Engineering. Both my kids say that they apply the test taking skills they learned at KD Prep to... Read more...

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT^® and ACT^® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents... Read more...

Jon D. – Parent

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard and other schools, but I've really started to immerse into the Emory culture, especially their debate team. Not having to pay for college and still attend a private institution is really a dream come true, and it wouldn't be possible if it were not for you.”

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard... Read more...

Shreyas R. – Class of 2020

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a good school will help me find my path. Also, Steve's knowledge about what colleges were wanting to see in potential admissions candidates was a huge help... “There was not one specific beneficial moment or turning point in my time working with Steve, there were many. He encouraged me during the entire application process and brought to my attention many colleges I wouldn't have considered or heard about without his help.”

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a... Read more...

Jake W. – Class of 2020

"I'm very happy my daughter chose KD as her learning partner to achieve her goals. All the experiences with KD and the Directors there are fabulous. My daughter has improved significantly."

Zarni, Daughter – Class of 2021

"I took KD classes the summer before my junior year, and I was finished with my SAT^® test by December...The test prep classes also helped me earn the award of National Merit^® Finalist."

Claire I. – Class of 2020

"It's been super helpful, and I've noticed my scores go up both on my SAT^®/ACT^® scores as well as test scores in school... Overall, I believe this to be the best college prep that money can buy."

Gopi C. – Class of 2021

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made sure that I would be successful in whichever college I picked, and I am eternally grateful for all their help and hard work!"

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made... Read more...

Omar S. – Class of 2020

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by far the most concerned about. I didn’t know how exactly I should go about choosing which places to apply to and if I were to be accepted, if they would fit me. The team did a wonderful job considering my likes and dislikes and helped me compile a list of colleges that suited my tastes and would further my academic career. "After this integral first step, my focus turned towards time management and writing quality essays that would stand out to colleges. I got... Read more...

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by... Read more...

Nina H. – Class of 2020

"I was thankful for all the help I received from KD in preparing for my SAT^® and ACT^® exams. The workshops they offered, as well as the practice exams, gave me the tools I needed to do my very best."

Morgan D. – Class of 2020

"KDCP is a must for students wanting to stay a step ahead of the game for getting into college. My son has gained huge insight from the ACT^®/SAT^® practice workshops, practice tests, and essay class."

Tiffany – Son, Class of 2021

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students wanting an edge on their national test scores!"

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students... Read more...

Daniel J. – Class of 2020

"Not only have I been able to significantly improve my test scores, I have learned a tremendous amount of information about the college application process due to complimentary events that KD offers."

Sam H. – Class of 2020

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the help from amazing teachers and staff. I am so grateful for KD!"

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the... Read more...

Matt K. – Class of 2020

"I started classes at KD the summer before 9th grade. I...made a perfect score on the PSAT (earning the National Merit^® scholarship) and, after taking the SAT^® test only once (a relief!), scored a 1590/1600."

Thomas D. – Class of 2019

"In just one year, I was able to raise my score by 300 points and get into my dream school."

Piper F. – Class of 2020

"Having our recent GHS graduate attend KD was life changing. It provided our son with choices and opportunities that he might not have had otherwise."

Kathy – Son attends Mizzou

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure out a personal plan that would work for her and were always available for our questions and helping her reach her goals. Every employee from the managers to the students working at their locations are top notch.”

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure... Read more...

Tracy – Daughter, Class of 2020

"The KD College Prep course not only provided test practice but also motivated her to work hard for her college applications. It gave her the confidence to dream big!"

Prema – Daughter attends Rice