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Advanced Placement (AP) classes have long been seen as the gold standard for high school rigor. But how much do they actually impact the college admissions process? If you’re a student or parent navigating course selection, this guide will help you understand the role APs play and how to make strategic choices that boost your chances at top schools.
Advanced Placement (AP) classes are college-level courses offered in high school, designed by the College Board to prepare students for higher education rigor. They span subjects from calculus to literature to computer science, culminating in standardized exams each May that are scored on a 1-5 scale.
Admissions officers don’t look at APs in a vacuum. When reviewing transcripts, college admissions officers evaluate AP courses within the context of what’s available at a student’s specific high school. Some important criteria could be:
Did the student take advantage of the most rigorous courses available? Colleges compare course selection to what was offered, not to applicants from other schools.
Does the AP selection align with the intended major? Consistency between AP choices and stated academic interests creates a compelling narrative.
Has the student demonstrated depth AND breadth? Top schools look for both specialization in areas of interest and academic versatility.
How does performance in AP classes compare to overall GPA? Strong performance in challenging courses is more impressive than perfect grades in standard classes.
A strong performance in APs demonstrates not just academic ability, but also work ethic and intellectual curiosity. Understanding this evaluation process is essential for making strategic course selections.
There’s no magic number. It depends on your goals, interests, and which APs are available to you in your school. If your high school only offers three APs, admissions officers at highly selective schools may expect that you’ve taken all three. On the other hand, if your high school offers thirty APs, admissions officers will be interested in seeing how many you’ve successfully completed, and which courses you’ve chosen to prioritize.
The key to effective course planning is balance, emphasizing depth over breadth. Overcommitting to AP courses may result in stress, fatigue, and declining performance, which can weaken rather than strengthen your application. Instead, focus on courses that align with your strengths and goals. Hear how other students approached this in our podcast or explore our blog on managing academic pressure.
Not all APs carry the same value. Colleges pay closer attention to APs that align with your intended major or show academic depth:
Taking relevant APs shows both interest and preparedness for your chosen field. Learn more about how we help students build a smart high school course plan →
Q: Is it better for a student to get an A in a regular course or a B in an AP course?
A: In most high schools, a B in an AP course generally carries more weight than an A in a regular course, as it demonstrates willingness to challenge oneself. However, admissions officers at highly selective schools will want to see that you’ve received As in AP courses. The overall pattern matters most, though. A couple of randomly scattered Bs may not be as concerning as Bs across many AP courses or concentrated in specific subjects.
Q: When should students begin taking AP courses?
A: While 11th and 12th grades traditionally offer most AP options, well-prepared students should consider APs in 10th grade if available. Some exceptional 9th graders may be ready for specific AP classes, but this should be evaluated case-by-case.
Q: Do colleges prefer breadth or depth in AP courses?
A: Both matter, but the preference depends on the college and the student’s academic goals. Students applying to specialized programs should demonstrate depth in related subjects while still showing breadth across core academic areas.
Q: How important are AP exams if a student’s high school doesn’t weigh AP grades?
A: Even without weighted grades, AP courses still demonstrate academic rigor. In these cases, strong AP exam scores (4s and 5s) become especially important to validate the student’s proficiency in college-level material.
Q: Should we prioritize dual enrollment over AP courses?
A: It depends on the specific colleges. Some institutions value the standardized nature of AP curriculum and exams, while others may give more credit for dual enrollment. Research the policies at target schools and consider which option better fits the student’s learning style and goals.
Have more questions? Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation with our AP strategy specialists.
As parents navigate the complex landscape of college preparation, understanding the strategic role of AP courses is crucial. The right approach to AP selection can make a significant difference not just in college admissions outcomes, but in preparing students for collegiate academic success.
The most successful families we work with approach AP planning as a thoughtful, individualized process rather than a numbers game. They consider the student’s genuine interests, academic strengths and post-secondary goals when crafting an AP strategy.
Ready to create a strategic AP plan that enhances college admissions prospects while supporting academic well-being? Schedule a personalized AP strategy session with our expert counselors today.
