Reasons You Should Try to Earn AP Credits

By earning AP credits for required college courses, you make room in your schedule for electives that round out your college education. If you have the opportunity to take an AP class in English or Calculus, you can jump right into a higher level course. By being a semester ahead of your peers, you may have an easier time finding classes that fit your schedule.

It's Easier to Add a Minor or a Second Major

Taking AP courses while you're still in high school can facilitate having a double major or adding a minor to your college career. The more college credits you have when you begin your college education, the more room you'll have in your schedule for the classes necessary for a double major or a minor.

You Can Save on College Costs

College costs have increased much faster than the rate of inflation, and for most people, no opportunity for saving on college costs should be passed up. That AP class you successfully complete marks one less college course you'll have to pay for. The fees for taking AP classes are only a fraction of what you would pay to take the corresponding class at your college.

Get Into a More Prestigious School

If you want to go to a school that is highly selective, having completed one or more AP courses can help you set yourself apart from other applicants. Successfully completing AP coursework shows that you have the commitment and skills necessary for college level work. If you also have a solid academic record from your regular high school classes, and the extracurricular activities that show you're a well-rounded student, you'll have an advantage when trying to get into selective schools.

Develop College Level Academic Skills

One of the best things about AP coursework is that it prepares you for the level of effort you will need to succeed in your college classes. When you finish that AP calculus class or AP history class, you can be confident that you are better prepared for your college education than you would be had you not chosen AP classes.