Taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school offers significant benefits for college-bound students. These benefits range from academic preparation and a stronger college application to the potential for earning college credit and saving money.

AP courses are designed to be as rigorous as introductory college classes. This means they expose you to a higher level of academic challenge, helping you develop the critical thinking, time management, and study skills essential for success in higher education. By taking on this challenge, you're not just learning the material; you're learning how to be a college student. This preparation can make the transition from high school to college much smoother.

Colleges look at AP classes as a sign of a student's commitment and readiness for college-level work. When admissions officers see AP courses on your transcript, they recognize that you have taken a challenging academic path. A strong performance in AP classes can make your application stand out, showing that you are motivated and capable of handling the academic rigor of their institution.. Some schools like Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia, prefer AP courses over Dual Enrollment. 

One of the most valuable aspects of AP is the opportunity to earn college credit before you even set foot on campus. After completing an AP course, you can take a corresponding AP exam, scored on a scale of 1 to 5. Many colleges and universities award credit or advanced placement for qualifying scores, typically a 3 or higher.

• Saving Money: Earning college credit means you'll have fewer classes to take and pay for in college. This can lead to substantial savings on tuition and fees.

• Saving Time: With college credits already in hand, you may be able to skip introductory courses and move directly into more advanced classes within your major. This can potentially allow you to graduate earlier, double major, or free up your schedule to take electives that interest you.