Benefits of AP Classes in High School

It used to be that when someone was in high school they could only take courses that would work toward the earning of a high school diploma. Many times this would leave senior students with a schedule full of nothing but extra curricular classes that did little to contribute to future educational goals. However, across the country organizations from college prep boarding schools to public high schools now offer AP classes that can help prepare a student for college and even earn college credit before high school graduation. 

The first thing that both students and parents need to know about any AP class is that they are more rigorous than the standard high school class. These courses range from biology and chemistry to English and psychology and everything in between. AP courses can give students in college prep boarding schools and public schools a small taste of university-quality classes and often they can be taken either just for high school credit or they can be applied for college credit at some universities. 

Many times the classes are offered on-site at the high school. However, depending on the demand, students may or may not be sitting face-to-face with a teacher. Sometimes the teacher is in a remote location and broadcasting live to the other schools. Don't worry, this doesn't mean that students at the remote location won't be able to interact with the teacher. In these instances, there is usually a proctor in the room who is able to supervise the students’ communication with the teacher for questions. 

However, before you rush to sign up, it is important for both students and parents to understand everything that goes into AP courses and how they can affect a students' future. Regardless of whether the courses are offered at college prep boarding schools or public high schools, these classes can have consequences that last beyond high school and should not be rushed into too quickly. Parents and students need to make sure that the student is committed to the class before applying for college credit. If the student does well in the classes, then there is nothing to worry about; but if he does poorly then it will be reflected on his official college transcript. 

Regardless of why a student takes AP classes definitely helps bridge the gap between high school and university life. People who have taken AP classes have earned thousands of hours of college credit, but that's not even the best part. By working hard and putting in extra study time, wise students in both college prep boarding schools and public schools have been able to earn degrees before they even graduate high school.

Ryan Muir  is an academic writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Wasatch Academy. Follow on Twitter.