Bright High School Students Can Save on College Credits

Most high schools offer Advanced Placement, or AP Classes. These are challenging courses that prepare students for the AP tests, which are given once a year in May. Fees for AP credits vary, but they are significantly less expensive than the cost of taking the equivalent college course. At StraighterLine, we can help you with AP credits by allowing you to take AP tests online at any time, which is helpful for students who miss the annual tests in May.

Reasons to Take AP Courses

Many colleges and universities let you substitute AP credits for college coursework. This can help you accelerate your college education and spend less money on college costs. Students who earn enough AP credits to exempt themselves from one full-time semester can use that semester to work and earn money for college. AP classes also help prepare students for the study and discipline required for college coursework.

Don't Cram Too Many AP Courses Into Your Schedule

It's not a good idea to overextend yourself with AP classes in high school. Choose the courses in which you excel and which you are interested enough in to do the coursework well. That said, there are many high school students who graduate with three or four AP credits, and that often represents three or four college classes they don't have to take.

See if Your College Limits the Number of AP Credits You Can Have

Some colleges and universities limit the number of AP credits you can have. Find out your preferred colleges' AP policies before you start taking AP classes. Additionally, some colleges allow some AP credits, but not others. You have to start early to earn AP credits, but it can be well worth your time and effort.

Determine Your College's Score Policy for AP Credits      

Different colleges have different rules for what AP scores earn college credits. AP exams are scored 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. Many schools accept 3, 4, or 5 for credits, while others only accept 4 or 5. At StraighterLine, we offer AP exams online, and we can help you transfer AP credits to colleges and universities that accept them.