How Do AP Classes Work? A Beginner’s Guide

Are you new to the idea of AP classes and wondering what they're all about? You're not alone. It’s not unusual for students to wonder if taking AP courses is worth the extra effort.

AP classes can help you get a jump on college work. They also show admissions officers you’re ready for academic challenges. But they're also a big commitment, and you are smart to think it all through before you even begin.

Let's break down what you need to know about how AP classes work, so you can decide if they're the right fit for you.

Key Takeaways

• AP classes are college-level courses you take in high school.

• Good AP exam scores (usually 3 or higher) can earn college credit or advanced placement, depending on the university.

• AP classes boost academic skills, strengthen college applications, and may raise your GPA in weighted grading systems.

What Are AP Classes?

AP stands for Advanced Placement. The College Board runs AP classes in the United States.

Think of AP classes this way. They are like university courses you can take in high school. That’s a pretty cool deal, right?

AP courses (opens in a new tab) are available in different subjects. You might find AP Biology, AP U.S. History, AP Calculus, AP Psychology, and many more on your school's AP course list. Not all schools offer all the AP class options. Each school chooses which AP courses it will offer its students. Check with your school’s AP coordinator or counselor. They can tell you which AP courses are available.

There are about 40 AP courses that fall under seven main disciplines.

1. AP Capstone Diploma Program

2. Arts

3. AP English

4. AP History and Social Sciences

5. AP Math and Computer Science

6. AP Sciences

7. AP World Languages and Culture

The main goal of every AP class is to prepare you for the AP exam that is taken in May each year. Pass that exam with a good score, and you could earn university credit before you even graduate high school.

How AP Classes Are Structured

During the School Year

All AP classes follow a standardized curriculum created by the College Board. This means that if you're taking AP Chemistry in California or New York, you'll study the same topics.

Your teacher will probably mix things up with different types of work. You can expect projects, essays, quizzes, laboratory experiments, and plenty of class discussions.

Many teachers also use materials from (opens in a new tab)AP Classroom (opens in a new tab), which is the College Board's official platform. You can watch instructional videos or do practice assignments with the College Board’s system.

Use of AP Classroom

AP Classroom is a free online platform that's become a huge part of most AP courses.

Your teacher can give you assessments and practice questions on the College Board platform. The best thing about AP Classroom is that it uses real exam-style content.

Every practice question you finish helps you get ready for the real exam format. It's like having a sneak peek at what's coming in May. You’ll want to do as many mock exams as you can to get used to the format and cover the content that will be on the tests.

What Makes AP Classes Different from Other Secondary School Classes?

AP classes move at a faster pace than regular high school courses. You'll cover more material in less time.

You will usually have to read a lot more than you’d have to in a regular classroom. If you're in math or science AP courses, expect tougher problems and activities than usual.

These courses aim to help you think deeper and sharpen your analytical skills. You won't just memorize facts. You'll learn to evaluate information, connect concepts, and form your own arguments.

The workload varies based on the subject, and it might feel like a lot at first. But once you settle into the routine and set aside time to study, you’ll be kicking out assignments and be done in no time! 

AP classes are meant to reflect the college experience. So, keep that in mind as you study. The pace, expectations, and academic rigor prepare you for success in college.

How Do AP Exams Work?

Every May, students around the world take their AP exams. These aren't created or marked by your teacher. They're standardized tests run entirely by the College Board.

Most AP exams include two main sections: multiple-choice questions and free-response questions. The free-response section may include essays, problem-solving tasks, or practical applications based on the subject.

Test performance is scored on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Here's what each score means:

• 5: Extremely well qualified

• 4: Well qualified

• 3: Qualified

• 3: Possibly qualified

• 1: No recommendation

The College Board does all the grading. So, your final AP score doesn't depend on your class work.

How Can You Earn University Credit from AP Classes?

This is where AP classes get really exciting. Most universities accept AP scores of 3 or higher. However, each school has its own policies.

Some universities grant actual course credit. You can skip the basic college classes. Then, you can jump right into the advanced courses. Others offer placement into higher-level classes without the credits.

Before you start choosing your AP subjects, check the websites of universities you're interested in. Check their score requirements for each subject. Also, see how they handle credit and advanced placement.

For example, one university may accept a score of 3 in AP Psychology for credit. But another might require a 4 or 5. These policies can have a big impact on your university experience and your costs.

Who Can Take AP Classes?

The good news is that AP classes are open to any secondary or high school student. You don't need to be in a special program or have exceptional grades to enroll in AP classes.

Some schools will require prerequisites for specific subjects. For instance, you might need to complete regular Chemistry before taking AP Chemistry.

Here's something many students don't realize: you can self-study for AP exams, even if your school doesn't offer the class. You'd just register for the exam independently. Then, you would prepare using textbooks, online resources, and practice materials.

This option is perfect if you're passionate about a subject that your school doesn't offer at the AP level.

Benefits of Taking AP Classes

Taking AP classes can save you a lot of time and money once you get to the college level. Earning credit can help you graduate sooner. It also gives you more flexibility in your course schedule.

University admissions officers will take notice of AP classes on your transcript. Taking them shows you're ready to challenge yourself. It means you can handle tougher classes.

The skills you build, like critical thinking, time management, and writing, will help you in college.

Many schools also weight AP classes more heavily when calculating your GPA. This could boost your overall academic standing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to take the AP exam if you take the class?

No, taking the exam is optional. However, the whole point of AP classes is to prepare for the exam, so most students do take it. You also can’t get college credit from just taking the AP classes. Your exam score shows that you successfully learned the class content.

Some schools require students to take the exam as part of their AP program, so be sure to check your school's policy.

Do all schools offer the same AP classes?

Not at all. Schools choose which AP courses to offer based on student interest, teacher expertise, and available resources.

Most of the time, larger schools offer more AP options. Smaller schools may only have a few AP courses available.

Can 9th grade students take AP classes?

This depends entirely on your school's policy. Some schools will let younger students take AP classes if they meet certain prerequisites. Other schools will only let older students take AP courses.

Most students take their AP classes in 11th and 12th grades. But there's no official age requirement set by the College Board.

How many APs should I take in one year?

There's no magic number, but quality is way more important than quantity. In other words, it's better to do really well in 2 or 3 AP classes than it is to struggle through 6 or 7 of them.

Think about other factors when deciding how many APs to take. Think about your commitments, your strengths, school activities, and overall stress. Successful students often take 3 to 6 AP courses in high school.

Final Thoughts

AP classes let you challenge yourself and earn college credit while in high school.

They use a standard curriculum created by education experts. This leads to accepted exams that universities nationwide recognize.

If you’re looking for a challenging academic experience and want a glimpse of university-level work, AP classes could be just right for you.

Remember, success in AP classes requires commitment and strong study habits. But for students who are up for the challenge, the benefits can be huge.

Remember that you won’t be taking on this academic journey alone. You’ll have parents, friends, fellow students, and teachers to help you succeed. And don’t forget about Save My Exams! We are here with tons of study resources to help you get through your classes.

Resources

AP Courses and Exams List (opens in a new tab)

AP College Board Classroom Login Page (opens in a new tab)