Why Take AP Exams?: Benefits & Disadvantages

Reviewed by: Liam Taft

Published

23 June 2025

Contents

You’re in high school, and you have a lot going on. You are trying to keep your grades up, participating in a variety of extracurricular activities, developing a college list, and preparing for the ACT or SAT. You don’t have a lot of time to waste.

With all the things you are already involved in, you may wonder if it’s worth taking AP exams. You realize they can be difficult, and you know you’ll need good scores for advanced placement in college courses.

In addition to that, you may wonder how many AP exams you need to take, along with other questions about the process.

Let’s discuss whether you should take AP exams and the specific advantages and disadvantages associated with taking them. This will empower you to make the best decision about whether taking AP exams will help you reach your goals.

Why Take AP Exams: The Benefits

There are quite a few benefits to taking AP exams. Here are a few benefits of taking AP classes and exams.

Boost College Applications

One of the main reasons students choose to take AP exams is to strengthen their college applications. High scores show that you are willing and able to work hard as a student, and that you are ready for college-level work. Taking the courses and exams lets college admission boards know that you are serious about pursuing a good education, and you are not afraid to challenge yourself.

AP exam scores are usually self-reported, which gives you flexibility in sharing them. You can share your scores if they will strengthen your application. Generally, you’ll only want to share your scores if you score a 3 or higher, especially if AP exam scores are not required by your school of choice. However, if you are applying to a more competitive college, you’ll need to score a 4 or 5.

Earn College Credit to Save College Costs

Scoring high on AP exams can help you earn college credits before you even start classes. Getting these credits can help you bypass introductory courses. This means you save time, but it can also help you save on tuition. You may even be able to graduate early. However, do your research because the rules for advanced placement vary between schools.

Competitive Edge

Earning high scores on AP exams can give you a competitive advantage and set you apart from other applicants. It allows you the opportunity to showcase your academic abilities, which may catch the attention of admission officers. Putting in the extra work to get higher scores on your AP exams can make you stand out from other students. It’s also helpful when you are trying to get into some of the top-tier universities, which tend to be more selective during their admissions process.

Course Rigour

AP courses are designed to be like college-level work. They provide you with the chance to develop study habits and time management skills. These are very beneficial to have as you enter your college years. They help you prepare for college-level studies and gets you ready to handle the demands of college life. If you can develop good study habits and manage your time well, you will do better on your AP exams and be better prepared for college courses.

Transferable Skills

You may develop transferable skills in AP courses. For example, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills will transfer to other academic and professional settings. AP courses are designed to prepare you for college-level classes, but they also equip you with beneficial skills that you can use to succeed in your academic and professional journeys, which makes them a valuable investment in future successes.

Academic Success

Research continues to show that students who score at least a 2 on AP exams are ready for college-level work. Students who score a 3 or higher on AP exams generally have greater academic success in college and have higher graduation rates than peers who do not take AP courses and exams. 3 out of 4 AP students who enrol in a 4-year college begin school with some AP credits.

Disadvantages of Taking AP Exams

AP classes, even though they are very popular, can present some unique challenges. Of course, they may be challenging academically, but they can have some negative impacts on students’ lives. Here is a brief look at a few of the disadvantages associated wtih taking AP exams.

AP Exams are Costly

One of the biggest downsides of taking AP courses and exams is how much they cost. In fact, some research indicates that AP exams have been reserved only for elite students. However, over time, parents of various socio-economic standings have continued to enroll their kids in AP classes. Of course, the more exams you take, the more it costs. And if you take them late, you could be looking at even more fees.

Time-Consuming

Taking an AP class usually takes longer to complete than regular-level classes. Remember that they are equivalent to college-level work, so you will need to put more time and effort into them than regular, less rigorous courses.

Make sure to be honest with yourself about time commitments. You will want to balance your activities, other studies, and AP coursework, or you’ll end up spending all your time on academics. Even though AP classes are beneficial, you’ll want to make sure to budget your time so you can have time for friends, family, extracurriculars, and your own self-care.

Some Schools Don’t Take AP Credits

Sometimes, more selective schools do not accept AP scores for college credit. Some will accept specific subjects while rejecting others. Just remember that even if you don’t receive the credit you desire and deserve, taking an AP course and exam can still look good on your profile and college application.

Taking AP courses shows that you are up to the task of taking harder, college-level work. Some universities do use AP exams for placement purposes. For instance, scoring a 4 or a 5 on AP math or language exams might let you to skip introductory classes altogether.

Extra Pressure and Stress

It makes sense that a lot of students become anxious and more stressed out because of pressure to perform well on AP tests. Intensity can rise if a student is taking more than one AP course or if they feel pressured to take AP courses to get into college.

For support in dealing with exam-related anxiety, download our free exam anxiety relief kit, which includes mental health advice, study tips, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Taking AP Worth It?

There are plenty of benefits if you choose to take AP classes in high school. Whether they are “worth it” to you depends on your individual circumstances and personal goals. Even though it’s a demanding workload, and it can be a bit expensive, AP courses still offer some significant benefits. They can enhance your college application, potentially earn college credit, and help you build valuable skills you can use in life and on your academic journey.

Is AP Important for College Admissions?

Yes. Taking AP courses and getting good scores on the exams can be beneficial for college admissions. They are particularly useful for students who want to attend highly selective universities. College admissions officials typically view AP courses as a sign of academic rigor and demonstrate that students are ready for college-level work.

What Happens If I Don’t Take AP Exams?

You don’t have to choose to take any AP exams. In fact, even if you successfully completed an AP course, you can opt out of the exam. That isn’t always a negative. Of course, if you plan on trying to earn college credit or attend a specific school, you may want to take the exam. Colleges don’t usually penalize students who do not take the exam. High school grades in AP courses are not affected if you decide to not take the exam.

Final Thoughts

The decision to take or not take an AP course and its corresponding exams is purely a personal one. You know what your capabilities are better than anyone. AP classes do give you an opportunity to challenge yourself and excel academically. Talk to your parents and your school counselor about taking AP classes. They can offer solid advice about whether you should invest the time and work needed.

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