APs: Taking the Fast Track to Academic Success  

Advanced Placement or AP courses were designed by College Board, an American not-for-profit organization, to help ambitious students all over the world acquire advanced skills, gain college-level experience and fast-track their journey to their ideal universities. Students that take these courses gain an advantage over their peers because their AP scores showcase the ability to take on higher levels of study. This in turn gives them opportunities for gaining advance placements, earning college credits which they can use to skip certain classes and having an academic edge over their peers once they start university. 

AP courses are available in a variety of subjects from the sciences and mathematics to the arts, History and world languages. But with so many course options available and no limit on the number you can select, choosing the best AP courses for your individual goals may seem overwhelming, especially for international students who may not be familiar with the way APs work. An easy way to streamline your approach is to work backwards, starting from your interests and strengths, which will contribute to the selection of your college major and preferred college choices, and then choosing appropriate AP courses accordingly.

Ask yourself these six questions to make the best AP course choices for your College major:

• What are My Strengths And Interests?

Students almost always perform better in subjects that interest them or in subjects that they are naturally good at. Not only does learning become easier and more enjoyable, but the likelihood of scoring well in grades and assessments is considerably higher. These interests will also inform your choices for college majors, which in turn directly indicate which AP courses will be best for you. 

CourseLeap Pro Tip: Try and focus on choosing your strongest subjects for a high score. However, if you want to do an AP course in a subject that you are passionate about but that is outside of your college major, don’t be put off. Remember that it can display a well rounded profile, boost your application and show your critical thinking skills, initiative and curiosity. 

• What College Major Have I Chosen?

Once you zero in on your college major it becomes easier to choose the best AP courses to help prepare you for further study, gain advanced skills and accelerate your admissions process. For example, if you are considering doing a major in Economics or  Accounting and Finance, you should consider doing AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC and AP Economics. 

CourseLeap Pro Tip: You can go one step further and research the classes required for that major and choose your APs based on those requirements. 

If however you haven’t decided exactly which major you want to study but you have an idea of the general area of interest, for e.g. social sciences, STEM or world languages, then you could consider taking a mix of AP courses that will cover that field and expose you to concepts and topics that might help you make a more focused decision later. By the end of this process you should have made a list of your most preferred colleges offering the majors of your choice. 

• Do I know the AP Policies of My Preferred Colleges?

Once you have identified the colleges you want to apply to, it is important to research their individual AP score requirements for giving credits. Not every college accepts the same courses or has the same acceptance policy. The highest score in the AP exams is 5. However while some colleges give credit for scores of 3.5 and above, others may not give credit for scores less than 4 or 5. This may change the way you make your choices, adding or dropping AP courses that won’t allow you to get the requisite scores.  

• Have I Spoken to an Expert?

It is vital to speak to teachers, school counselors and admissions officers who have the experience to help you make the right decisions. The dedicated team at CourseLeap are uniquely positioned to offer tailored Advanced Placement Courses structured around your individual needs and college aspirations, having assisted countless students with their AP choices and study programmes. Our instructors and subject matter experts will give you not only tools and knowledge but key guidance in the best ways to harness the power of APs. 

•  Am I prepared for the AP workload? ?

While deciding on which AP courses to choose, remember that they are designed to be rigorous and challenging, requiring dedication and time management skills. Many students are well prepared to take on this challenge but it is recommended to do a self-assessment to see what you can take on. It may be better for you to take a few well selected courses to complement your major and allow you enough time to lead a balanced lifestyle and prevent stress and fatigue. The quality of your work depends on the quantity of  your workload. Assuming you will be taking the courses while continuing your regular school and extracurricular activities, make sure you plan ahead and delegate enough time to score well in your AP exams. 

CourseLeap Pro Tip: Students have different ambitions and diverse abilities, from foundational and elevated to advanced. You should choose the number of courses, and their difficulty  level, according to your individual goals and aspirations. 

• Are My APs Recognised Internationally? 

The APs are universally recognised and are a great way to showcase your academic and critical thinking skills. If you are an international student and will be taking the AP courses online it is recommended to spend some time researching which courses have international recognition and which universities, particularly in relation to the ones you are interested in, recognise your chosen AP course scores. Many universities around the globe now recognise high AP scores and will exchange credit for them so if your preferred college is outside the U.S., there is a chance that they will accept them. 

Make the Right Decision with Confidence

The AP programme is a fantastic way to experience college-level learning early, display your academic prowess, show your willingness to take on challenges and stand out in college applications. Take the time to choose your courses carefully, based on your abilities, interests and college goals and bear in mind that taking a balanced approach will maximize results and propel you to future academic success. 

CourseLeap Pro Tip: While many students take APs primarily for earning credit, we strongly recommend that you take full advantage of all their rewards.  The AP courses and programmes are a great way to explore subjects that interest you on a deeper level and to learn advanced skills that will benefit you from university through to your careers. 

Want to read more about Advanced Placement courses?

Unlocking the Benefits of AP Courses: Choose the Right Ones to Boost Your Academic Journey

All About Advanced Placements (AP Courses)