The Pros and Cons of Advanced Placement
While it's true that Advanced Placement courses and subject tests can help you get into the college of your dreams, there are some potential drawbacks as well.
The Pros of Advanced Placement
Taking an AP class will usually get your GPA knocked upwards. Depending how your particular school rates them, AP classes can be worth a full grade higher (That’s how some students end up with GPAs greater than the theoretically-perfect 4.0.) And even if your school doesn’t inflate AP grades, many college admission offices will do it for you.
Good AP scores can reduce your eventual college course load and potentially, your time in college. Generally speaking, a high score of at least three, but often a four or five out of the five-point Advance Placement test will equate to one semester of the equivalent test. So, if you place out of four courses it's possible to bypass an entire semester of college. This may save tens of thousands of dollars. Even placing out of one or two classes can lead to a semester of part-time student status... and significant savings.
College Admissions offices usually view AP classes as an indicator of “initiative.” By taking the more challenging path, schools know you aren’t scared to push yourself. In addition, since AP classes are supposed to be college level, you are showing schools that you are fully capable of doing the necessary work.
The Cons of Advanced Placement
Your AP scores could have zero bearing on your admissions. That’s a whole lot of work that may not have much to do with which college you get into – especially if your colleges don’t inflate grades according to the difficulty of courses.
Not all colleges accept AP scores for course credit, or factor in any GPA bump from the AP.
AP classes and study takes an inordinate amount of time. It isn’t unusual to have two or three hours of homework out of an AP class. That’s time you can’t pursue other studies, can’t devote to extracurricular activities, and can’t practice for the SAT – all things that definitely will help you get into college.
The long and the short of it is this: AP courses can pay off in the long run (for example, if you were to graduate early), but there are no guarantees.
As always, the answer depends on the student. Do remember, that you know your student's capacity and don’t overload the system. Overload could result in unfavorable results. Keep a balance in your student’s life.
