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Getting good grades is one thing. But making sure you’re being challenged is another. If you do really well in a subject and have the opportunity to take an Advanced Placement (AP) course in that subject— do it. AP courses are college-level classes you can take in high school. At the end of the course, you have the option of taking an AP exam for a fee. If you score high enough on the exam, you could earn college credit and may not have to take the equivalent course in college. If you do not take the test, or don’t get a high enough score, you may not be eligible to receive college credit for the course.

AP courses are recognized as difficult courses by colleges. So, in addition to testing out of a college class, taking an AP course can increase your chances of getting into college. For example, if you get a “B” in an AP course, and an “A” in a regular course, colleges will be more impressed by the hard-earned “B.” That’s because AP courses require that you study and learn a subject better than you would in a standard class, and help you better prepare for college. You’ll also get your money’s worth by taking an AP course, because it’s probably cheaper to take the course in high school than taking the same one in college. AP courses also help you get ahead of the game in college and may help you win Scholar Awards, which are awarded to students who have demonstrated academic excellence in their AP course(s).

If you choose to take an AP course, ask for your counselor’s advice and make sure it’s a subject with which you feel comfortable.