Educational standards are constantly evolving since the Washington Board of Education’s decision to approve new high school graduation rules. This has put the spotlight on Advanced Placement (AP) classes. This decision is an essential milestone in recognizing the significance of AP courses in high school, the college application process, and the college experience.
But, What Is an Advanced Placement Class?
Advanced Placement (AP) classes are college-level courses developed by the College Board for high school students. These classes follow standardized curricula matching college introductory courses across various subjects from Calculus to English Literature.
Each AP course culminates in a standardized exam that assesses knowledge mastery. The classes allow students to learn more about specific skills they have an interest in, helping them explore potential majors and career paths while still in high school.
The Importance of AP Exams
With the effort that goes into studying for AP Exams, it’s natural to wonder: how much do they matter? Do colleges even consider AP scores? While not always required in applications, AP courses play a key role in demonstrating academic ability. Strong exam scores can help you stand out among competitive applicants and prepare you for success in college.
Demonstrate College Readiness
One of the primary benefits of taking AP exams is that they show colleges you are ready for college-level coursework. When admissions officers see AP courses on a transcript, they recognize that a student has voluntarily chosen to challenge themselves with more demanding material.
Earn College Credit
Unlike standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, AP scores can translate into college credit. Many colleges grant credit or allow students to skip introductory courses for high scores, giving you more flexibility in your coursework. Some universities, like Harvard, even allow students to bundle AP credits to graduate early.
Earn the AP Scholar Award
The AP Scholar Award is the first of two resume enhancements worth considering. This award is granted to students who achieve a score of 3 or higher on at least three of their AP exams. At first glance, achieving this may seem straightforward, but it requires self-discipline worth recognizing. Coursework in three or more AP courses can make for a worthy challenge when gunning for high scores on all of them. It takes a dedicated student to maintain momentum until the end of the testing season.
Get an AP International Diploma
For international students competing for top U.S. universities, the AP International Diploma (APID) offers a competitive edge. This globally recognized certification is awarded to students who score 3 or higher on five or more AP Exams across key subject areas:
- Two (2) World Language or English exams
- One (1) Global Perspective
- One (1) Science, Math, or Computer Science
- One (1) Additional non-English or World Language
The APID highlights well-rounded academic achievement, proving your ability to excel in diverse subjects.
Difference Between AP and IB Exams
Program Structure
AP is one year and ends with one exam per subject, which is mostly multiple choice and then some free response. This means students can pick and choose individual AP subjects based on their strengths and interests without committing to a comprehensive program.
In contrast, IB is a curriculum that lasts 2 years, and students take classes in HL (higher level) and SL (standard level). The IB Diploma Programme is more holistic, requiring students to complete courses across multiple disciplines as part of a comprehensive educational philosophy.
Assessment Methods
The assessment methods also differ. IB assessment includes a combination of internal and external assessments, such as exams, oral presentations, essays, and projects. AP assessment primarily consists of standardized exams administered at the end of each course.
Discover all the rest of the AP and IB differences.
AP vs IB vs Honors
To complete the picture of advanced high school coursework, it’s worth understanding how Honors classes fit into this landscape.
Honors is meant to push students to move faster and focus on deeper concepts and sometimes they get a weighted grade. It is based on the schools. Unlike AP and IB, which follow standardized curricula across all participating schools, Honors courses are developed by individual high schools. This means their content and rigor can vary significantly between institutions. While they typically offer more challenging material than standard courses, they generally don’t provide the opportunity for college credit that AP and IB courses do.
Advanced Placement Scores
AP exams are scored on a 5-point scale:
5: Extremely well qualified
4: Well qualified
3: Qualified
2: Possibly qualified
1: No recommendation
But what is considered a good score? See what Lindsay, an experienced tutor here at Zinkerz, explains:
Need to check how well you scored on your AP exam? Check our score calculators.
How to Prepare for AP Exams
Success on AP exams requires strategic preparation. Here are key approaches to help students perform their best:
- Focus on Personal Interest and Strengths
Students who select AP programs aligned with their interests tend to be more engaged with the material and willing to put in the necessary study time.
- Start Strategically
Begin with 1-2 AP courses in subjects where you already have a strong interest and background knowledge, then gradually increase your AP load as you adjust to the rigor.
- Use Official Resources
The College Board and Zinkerz provide valuable preparation materials, including past exam questions and scoring guidelines. See our dedicated articles on AP Math:
- Develop Time Management Skills
Balancing AP coursework with regular classes, extracurriculars, and college applications presents a significant challenge. Creating structured study schedules, breaking large assignments into manageable chunks, and learning to prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance are essential skills for AP success.
- Form a Study Group
Collaborating with friends can enhance understanding and make preparation more engaging.
- Seek Expert Support
Expert guidance can dramatically improve performance through targeted preparation strategies and personalized feedback.
Preparing for AP exams can be challenging, but Zinkerz is here to guide you every step of the way. Achieving strong AP scores can boost your college applications and prepare you for future academic demands. Let’s work together to help you reach your goals. Contact us to learn more about Zinkerz AP courses.
AP Exams FAQ
How can I motivate my child to take an AP exam?
It is important to know which AP courses will best suit your child. They shouldn’t just take an AP because it is an AP. They should take it because they are interested in it or want to show mastery of it. Encourage them that they are up to the challenge.
Do APs affect GPA?
If a student takes the class as part of their school schedule, the course grade may be incorporated into their GPA, but the score earned as part of the College Board exam is unrelated to the high school grade point average.
Which AP is the hardest?
Different students are stronger in different courses depending on their strengths and background knowledge. While statistical data on passing rates might suggest that exams like AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism or AP Chemistry have lower average scores, these numbers don’t tell the whole story. A student with strong analytical skills and mathematical aptitude might find these sciences manageable while struggling with the nuanced analysis required in AP English Literature.
