Question about college & High School?

Question

how important are AP classes in highschool and how do colleges look at AP classes & GPA? So does it really matter if I take the AP classes now or no? Im stressing through my Highschool classes, my mom aren't really proud of my grades and if I switch out, what if i dun get accepted to a good college?

Answer 1

The really good colleges want to see that you got good grades in the most rigorous courses available to you. If, at your school, those are the AP courses, then you should probably do those if you want to look at a school like that. On the other hand, if you aren't doing well in your classes in high school, you are probably not bound for a top university anyway. You might do better to have a good GPA in regular classes, which would get you into an acceptable college.

Answer 2

AP classes are only for students who need the extra challenge, or in a subject you know you want to major in. But....your high school grades typically are transmitted into one score. AP classes weight heavier in the average. So, if you get an A in a regular class and a B in an AP class, they will translate into about the same number.

After taking AP courses you take an exam. Depending on your score a college may let you skip an entry level course for that subject. HOWEVER, just because you skip, for example, the intro to writing class because you tested out with the AP exam, you STILL have to take a writing class--just a harder one. And, even if you pass the AP exam, you have placement/entrance exams for college--if you don't pass the entrance exam you don't skip the intro class (even if you passed the AP exam). And conversely, if you do really well on the placement/entrance exams, you can skip an entry level class even if you NEVER took an AP class/exam.

It all comes down to your abilities, being at the level that's best for you. Personally, I think you should be in an upper level course (only AP if you need more challenge) and get good grades.

And remember, even if your grades are not the best, if you get a really high score on the SAT exam, you're usually accepted.