Five Other Reasons to Take AP Courses

Most students take Advanced Placement (AP) courses to earn college credits while still in high school, but did you know (other than reducing college expenses and graduating early) there are five other important reasons to consider taking AP courses?

1. Taking an AP course in high school shows college admissions officers that you’ve taken advantage of all the opportunities available to you – something that may set you apart from other applicants.

2. When you take an AP course in a non-traditional way, such as an online course through VHS Learning, you gain online learning skills that will be required in college, and show you are willing to learn in ways outside the classroom, and outside of your comfort zone.

3. When you challenge yourself with college-level course work (even if you don’t pass the AP exam!) you’re showing colleges you are willing to take risks to advance your education. You succeeded, because you tried.

4. Taking an AP course that you might not have considered, such as AP Computer Science Principles, helps you develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are valuable no matter what you choose to do in the future.

5. Taking courses with other students who are also challenging themselves academically helps you build your own skills through dialogue and interaction with your peers.