When considering post-secondary plans, the course load one takes in high school is incredibly important. For instance, for teens hoping to make it big in Hollywood or on Broadway, enrolling in theater courses is pivotal. For those interested in pursuing a trade, taking industrial technology electives is imperative. For those who strive to attend a college or university, Advanced Placement (AP) classes should be on the radar.

This is not to say, however, that AP courses should be limited to college-bound students. As Amber Graeber, AP U.S. Government teacher and Coordinator of Advanced Placement in Des Moines Public Schools says, “All kids can find a place where AP can meet their needs, help them grow, and prepare them for the next stage of their lives (whatever that path might be).” Additionally, Jane Luethge, an AP Coordinator for Omaha Public Schools, says that students in AP courses “gain confidence, reading stamina, and higher-level skills” in addition to a dedicated educator in their corner. Clearly these are experiences to which all students should have access and opportunity.

There are many ways, though, that taking AP courses specifically impacts and positively benefits students who pursue post-secondary degrees:

Academic Skills & College Preparation

There are currently 38 AP course offerings, and regardless of whether students take art history or macroeconomics, they will spend a great deal of time engaging in critical thinking, writing, and problem solving, skills that are beneficial in all life endeavors and skills that will certainly help students know what to expect in — and more easily adapt to — college expectations. AP Literature and Composition instructor, Carrie Palmesano, says that “students learn deeper critical thinking skills and hone their evidence-based writing skills. After participating in Socratic seminars, they are better prepared for seminars and verbal expectations in a collegiate classroom.”

In addition to the aforementioned academic skills, students also develop learning strategies that will help them succeed in not only the rigorous AP course but in future challenging situations as well. They will hone successful study habits and management skills, as AP courses take a significant commitment of time, energy, and dedication.

Grade Point Average and College Admissions

While AP classes are more difficult than traditional high school classes, there are certain perks afforded to students while in the class. For instance, many high schools weight the grade for AP courses: instead of receiving a 4.0 for an A, a student receives a 5.0. This means that not only are students able to maintain a 4.0 GPA despite less-than-perfect scores, but it is also well within the realm of possibility for students to graduate with greater than a 4.0.

Moreover, college admissions offices look for AP courses on college transcripts: Emily Selden, an independent college counselor, says, “Taking AP classes not only shows colleges you are interested in challenging yourself, but the rigor also helps you prepare for success in college.” In addition to showing a student’s ability to take on rigorous curriculum, AP courses on a transcript suggest that students are hard-working and self-motivated individuals, which are traits required for success at the collegiate level.

College Requirements & Interests

Most AP classes are comparable to introductory, general education courses at the college level. For instance, a three or higher on an AP test generally grants credit and placement: if a student earns a three, four, or five on the AP Literature and Composition test, they often enter college with a credit under their belt and do not have to take English 101 or College Comp as a college freshman. Jenna Pokorny, a junior at the University of Iowa, illustrates one perk of this, saying that when students bypass the required introductory-level requirements, they are able to take major-level courses much sooner.

Likewise, Selden explains, “Taking AP classes gives students the chance to more deeply explore areas that interest them.” Because students are not bogged down with prerequisites and general education requirements, they are able to delve into various areas of study more readily and can better determine which is right for them to pursue in depth. Additionally, they are more apt to add a double major or a minor to their degree plan.

Relatedly, when students take AP courses in high school and are exposed to college-level learning, they may realize that their initial plan is not, in fact, for them. For instance, if a student is set on majoring in political science in college but then struggles through or does not enjoy AP United States Government and Politics, they may reconsider their degree declaration.

Early Graduation

Students who take AP courses have already engaged with rigorous curriculum and developed strong learning strategies and study skills prior to entering the collegiate environment. As a result, they are less likely to experience potential struggles, simply because they “sat in an AP class,” according to Luethge. In turn, they tend to have better four-year graduation rates (58%) than their non-AP peers (38%).

Additionally, dual-enrollment is an option for some students: the AP class counts for both high school and college credit, generally for a very minimal tuition cost. “They can earn local college credit, regardless of how they perform on the AP exam. This especially benefits first-generation college students: they get a foot in the door and save money” according to Palmesano.

Because they have the opportunity to enter college with credits under their belt — whether by scoring well on the exam or by participating in the dual-enrollment option — many students are also able to accelerate graduation. Dr. Megan Ellwanger described a student entering the University of Nebraska — Lincoln with 28 credits, simply from AP classes she took in high school: “Now she will save a year of school — or about $26,000.”

There are clear benefits to taking AP classes, especially for college-bound students. Again, however, all students — regardless of long-term plans — can benefit from challenging curriculum and strengthened critical thinking, writing, and problem solving and should not be dissuaded from rigorous coursework. As Graeber mentions, quality educators can differentiate instruction and offer scaffolds and supports to help all students learn at high levels, which in turn amplifies their success through all walks of life.