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Do the classes I take in high school strongly affect the courses I need to take in college?
If I take more college now or aps do I have more of a head start in college?
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7 answers
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Martha’s Answer
This is an excellent question, Norah! While potentially dissatisfying as an answer, it depends upon the college:
- Some colleges will give you college credits for taking Advanced Placement and earning a 3+ on the exam or getting a certain grade on actual college courses in high school. This could mean graduating from college early (if you want to) or taking a semester off in the middle (as I did) but still graduating with your class.
- Some won't give you college credits but will let you skip introductory courses so you could place out of an educational requirement or take more advanced courses earlier. Both my children did this.
- Some will require you to pass their own placement exams, regardless of how you scored or what grade you earned. You won't know your college's policy until senior year in high school. If this is the case, for AP courses in senior year, you may want to skip the stress and cost of the AP exams, if they are not required in your high school.
Apart from what a college gives, you still may want to take APs to pursue your interests and take courses with your peers. Also, more competitive schools will look for evidence that you seek and succeed at academic challenges. Taking APs and college courses do demonstrate that.
But remember that your physical and mental health matter. Don't take so many really difficult courses - especially in subjects you are unlikely to pursue in college - that you jeopardize your health.
Good luck!
- Some colleges will give you college credits for taking Advanced Placement and earning a 3+ on the exam or getting a certain grade on actual college courses in high school. This could mean graduating from college early (if you want to) or taking a semester off in the middle (as I did) but still graduating with your class.
- Some won't give you college credits but will let you skip introductory courses so you could place out of an educational requirement or take more advanced courses earlier. Both my children did this.
- Some will require you to pass their own placement exams, regardless of how you scored or what grade you earned. You won't know your college's policy until senior year in high school. If this is the case, for AP courses in senior year, you may want to skip the stress and cost of the AP exams, if they are not required in your high school.
Apart from what a college gives, you still may want to take APs to pursue your interests and take courses with your peers. Also, more competitive schools will look for evidence that you seek and succeed at academic challenges. Taking APs and college courses do demonstrate that.
But remember that your physical and mental health matter. Don't take so many really difficult courses - especially in subjects you are unlikely to pursue in college - that you jeopardize your health.
Good luck!
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
783
Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Sometimes the classes you take in high school do have an influence on what you will be taking in college.
It really depends on the procedures and academic requirements of the college that you attend.
Where I reside, many of the four year public universities require that a high school student have taken a minimum of two years of a foreign language, when they are in high school.
If they do not meet the university foreign language requirements, then they will need to satisfy those requirements upon reaching the college or university,
If the student has met the university foreign language requirement, then they will not have to take a foreign language when they reach the university level. So, this means they can take courses in other humanities or elective areas, in order to achieve their General University Requirements (GUR), for the first year of college and admission into a future major.
You will need to check with a college academic advisor, to determine, if the courses you took in high school can potentially waive any of the General University Requirements, when you reach the college level.
It really depends on the procedures and academic requirements of the college that you attend.
Where I reside, many of the four year public universities require that a high school student have taken a minimum of two years of a foreign language, when they are in high school.
If they do not meet the university foreign language requirements, then they will need to satisfy those requirements upon reaching the college or university,
If the student has met the university foreign language requirement, then they will not have to take a foreign language when they reach the university level. So, this means they can take courses in other humanities or elective areas, in order to achieve their General University Requirements (GUR), for the first year of college and admission into a future major.
You will need to check with a college academic advisor, to determine, if the courses you took in high school can potentially waive any of the General University Requirements, when you reach the college level.
Updated
Lois’s Answer
Hi Norah,
My son took several AP courses in high school so we have some firsthand experience in this area! Taking AP courses in high school will help you in several ways:
1) College Admissions officers look for academic rigor on your high school transcript. They want to know that you have stretched and challenged yourself intellectually to get the most out of your high school academic experience. Ideally, these courses should be of interest to you or it can be more difficult to excel.
2) If you do well in the course, AP's will help your weighted GPA. Again, this makes you a more attractive candidate for college admissions. There are varying opinions on this, but I feel it's better to get a B on an AP course than to get an A in a regular version of that subject, as long as it's perhaps just one B on your transcript. In addition, the College Board awards "honors" to those who pass at least 3 AP Exams with certain scores which is another bonus on your transcript.
3) If you pass the AP Exam offered by the College Board through your school, you can likely waive the course in college, freeing you up to accelerate your graduation date or enroll in other courses. Taking the AP Exam (4-hours) is optional, but if you pass with a score of 4 or 5 many colleges will then waive this as a GE course. Some schools will also accept a score of 3 in order to waive the course.
4) Because AP courses are college-level curriculum, they prepare you well for the academic rigor at a university. You will gain new study skills that will help you succeed after high school.
Next steps:
--Speak to your high school counselor about your college goals to see if AP courses are right for you, and which ones specifically are best. If you are interested in a more competitive college then AP's are a must, but less important if you're planning on attending junior college right after high school.
--A good teacher can make all the difference between a good and bad AP course experience. Research the AP teachers at your school as part of your AP course exploration.
--Consider your entire workload - school, extracurriculars, job, etc. when opting for an AP. You want to excel and you'll need extra time to devote to your studies.
I truly believe that taking AP courses and excelling in them helped my son get into a highly competitive California state university which will deliver a respected degree without the high cost of a private or out-of-state university.... so taking AP courses is definitely worth exploring!
Best of luck to you, Norah!
My son took several AP courses in high school so we have some firsthand experience in this area! Taking AP courses in high school will help you in several ways:
1) College Admissions officers look for academic rigor on your high school transcript. They want to know that you have stretched and challenged yourself intellectually to get the most out of your high school academic experience. Ideally, these courses should be of interest to you or it can be more difficult to excel.
2) If you do well in the course, AP's will help your weighted GPA. Again, this makes you a more attractive candidate for college admissions. There are varying opinions on this, but I feel it's better to get a B on an AP course than to get an A in a regular version of that subject, as long as it's perhaps just one B on your transcript. In addition, the College Board awards "honors" to those who pass at least 3 AP Exams with certain scores which is another bonus on your transcript.
3) If you pass the AP Exam offered by the College Board through your school, you can likely waive the course in college, freeing you up to accelerate your graduation date or enroll in other courses. Taking the AP Exam (4-hours) is optional, but if you pass with a score of 4 or 5 many colleges will then waive this as a GE course. Some schools will also accept a score of 3 in order to waive the course.
4) Because AP courses are college-level curriculum, they prepare you well for the academic rigor at a university. You will gain new study skills that will help you succeed after high school.
Next steps:
--Speak to your high school counselor about your college goals to see if AP courses are right for you, and which ones specifically are best. If you are interested in a more competitive college then AP's are a must, but less important if you're planning on attending junior college right after high school.
--A good teacher can make all the difference between a good and bad AP course experience. Research the AP teachers at your school as part of your AP course exploration.
--Consider your entire workload - school, extracurriculars, job, etc. when opting for an AP. You want to excel and you'll need extra time to devote to your studies.
I truly believe that taking AP courses and excelling in them helped my son get into a highly competitive California state university which will deliver a respected degree without the high cost of a private or out-of-state university.... so taking AP courses is definitely worth exploring!
Best of luck to you, Norah!
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Hello,
Yes, you will have a headstart. You will also save a lot of time and money by completing as many basic courses as possible for college now while still in high school. In most instances the first two years of a four-year degree and doing similar courses you already took in high school that may or may not even pertain to your bachelor's degree. You are well aware of the AP option, but usually there is also dual credit, and a lesser-known option is called the CLEP test. The CLEP test is an excellent way to test out of college courses that you don't want to take. You receive no GPA for passing but earn a college credit. A CLEP test is normally under $100 to take and most of the tests only require a grade of 51% to pass. These are great options considering the rising cost of college degrees. Ask your school counselor about your options. Good luck, you will do well.
Yes, you will have a headstart. You will also save a lot of time and money by completing as many basic courses as possible for college now while still in high school. In most instances the first two years of a four-year degree and doing similar courses you already took in high school that may or may not even pertain to your bachelor's degree. You are well aware of the AP option, but usually there is also dual credit, and a lesser-known option is called the CLEP test. The CLEP test is an excellent way to test out of college courses that you don't want to take. You receive no GPA for passing but earn a college credit. A CLEP test is normally under $100 to take and most of the tests only require a grade of 51% to pass. These are great options considering the rising cost of college degrees. Ask your school counselor about your options. Good luck, you will do well.
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi,
Yes, the classes you take in high school can definitely impact your college experience, especially if you take AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate), or dual enrollment courses. Here’s how it works and why it matters:
1. Earning College Credits Early:
AP and IB Classes:
If you score well on AP exams (usually a 4 or 5) or IB exams (usually a 5 or higher), many colleges will grant you college credits.
This means you could skip introductory courses or even satisfy general education requirements.
Dual Enrollment:
Classes taken at a community college while in high school can directly transfer to your future college if they’re accepted.
You’ll earn both high school and college credit simultaneously.
These credits are especially valuable since they’re often guaranteed to transfer to in-state public universities.
2. Getting a Head Start:
Faster Graduation:
Earning college credits in high school could allow you to graduate earlier or take lighter course loads during your college years.
Advanced Placement in College:
If you’ve completed introductory courses through AP/IB, you can move straight into upper-level classes in your major.
Saving Money:
Completing credits early means paying for fewer college classes, which can significantly reduce tuition costs.
More Flexibility:
With basic requirements out of the way, you’ll have more room in your schedule for internships, minors, or double majors.
3. Building Strong Foundations:
STEM Majors:
Taking AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, or AP Biology sets you up well for science-heavy degrees.
Humanities and Social Sciences:
AP English, AP History, or IB Social Studies classes help develop critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
Business and Economics:
AP Statistics, AP Economics, or a dual enrollment accounting course can give you a leg up.
4. Things to Consider:
Credit Transfer Policies:
Each college has its own rules about accepting AP, IB, or dual enrollment credits. Check the specific requirements of the colleges you’re interested in.
Grades Matter:
Simply taking these courses doesn’t guarantee college credit. You need to do well on the final exams (AP/IB) or earn a passing grade in dual enrollment classes.
Balance:
Don’t overload yourself just to earn credits. Colleges also value extracurricular involvement and a well-rounded application.
Yes, the classes you take in high school can definitely impact your college experience, especially if you take AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate), or dual enrollment courses. Here’s how it works and why it matters:
1. Earning College Credits Early:
AP and IB Classes:
If you score well on AP exams (usually a 4 or 5) or IB exams (usually a 5 or higher), many colleges will grant you college credits.
This means you could skip introductory courses or even satisfy general education requirements.
Dual Enrollment:
Classes taken at a community college while in high school can directly transfer to your future college if they’re accepted.
You’ll earn both high school and college credit simultaneously.
These credits are especially valuable since they’re often guaranteed to transfer to in-state public universities.
2. Getting a Head Start:
Faster Graduation:
Earning college credits in high school could allow you to graduate earlier or take lighter course loads during your college years.
Advanced Placement in College:
If you’ve completed introductory courses through AP/IB, you can move straight into upper-level classes in your major.
Saving Money:
Completing credits early means paying for fewer college classes, which can significantly reduce tuition costs.
More Flexibility:
With basic requirements out of the way, you’ll have more room in your schedule for internships, minors, or double majors.
3. Building Strong Foundations:
STEM Majors:
Taking AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, or AP Biology sets you up well for science-heavy degrees.
Humanities and Social Sciences:
AP English, AP History, or IB Social Studies classes help develop critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
Business and Economics:
AP Statistics, AP Economics, or a dual enrollment accounting course can give you a leg up.
4. Things to Consider:
Credit Transfer Policies:
Each college has its own rules about accepting AP, IB, or dual enrollment credits. Check the specific requirements of the colleges you’re interested in.
Grades Matter:
Simply taking these courses doesn’t guarantee college credit. You need to do well on the final exams (AP/IB) or earn a passing grade in dual enrollment classes.
Balance:
Don’t overload yourself just to earn credits. Colleges also value extracurricular involvement and a well-rounded application.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Norah !
If you intend to pursue a major in college connected to a subject that your High School doesn't teach, then I wouldn't worry much about AP, just take the required Regents Courses (particular to New York State) - Whoops - New York has done away with Regents requirements as of last year, sorry. I just found this out.
The way you can decide what to do is see if what you intend to major in is taught at your high school - science, history, Physical Education/Sports, Art, Computer Science. Those are usual classes taught in high school that one could major in in college. So, if you intend to do a major in something you can study in high school, by all means takes more courses in that subject but decide if you really want to do AP.
My high school didn't teach what I majored in at college, so I began my education for it in college and it was an outstanding experience. High School and College are completely different and I don't think that you need to worry about it. The college will want your GPA, SAT score and transcripts regardless of what your major is going to be. Be active in groups, activities, organizations and volunteer work connected to your intended college major and take the SAT Exam in your Junior year.
So more than high school classes being the strong element, your grades and participation in the community and activities will be strongly considered. This really depends on the college you will attend as well as what you plan to major in. Dual enrollment can help getting a couple of college General Education Required college courses under your belt, but you didn't say what grade you are in, so it can take care of maybe a couple if you start in 11th grade, and also take one in 12th grade. That would be 6 credits out of 120 credits needed for a Bachelors Degree in most New York State Colleges. Some colleges in NY do require more credits than that for the Bachelors Degree, though.
Most importantly - savor your high school years and make the most of them. Study, attain good grades, be active and that will keep you focused on the important things. Also run things by your high school guidance counselor as they are a rich source of information, support and referrals ! Best wishes to you !
If you intend to pursue a major in college connected to a subject that your High School doesn't teach, then I wouldn't worry much about AP, just take the required Regents Courses (particular to New York State) - Whoops - New York has done away with Regents requirements as of last year, sorry. I just found this out.
The way you can decide what to do is see if what you intend to major in is taught at your high school - science, history, Physical Education/Sports, Art, Computer Science. Those are usual classes taught in high school that one could major in in college. So, if you intend to do a major in something you can study in high school, by all means takes more courses in that subject but decide if you really want to do AP.
My high school didn't teach what I majored in at college, so I began my education for it in college and it was an outstanding experience. High School and College are completely different and I don't think that you need to worry about it. The college will want your GPA, SAT score and transcripts regardless of what your major is going to be. Be active in groups, activities, organizations and volunteer work connected to your intended college major and take the SAT Exam in your Junior year.
So more than high school classes being the strong element, your grades and participation in the community and activities will be strongly considered. This really depends on the college you will attend as well as what you plan to major in. Dual enrollment can help getting a couple of college General Education Required college courses under your belt, but you didn't say what grade you are in, so it can take care of maybe a couple if you start in 11th grade, and also take one in 12th grade. That would be 6 credits out of 120 credits needed for a Bachelors Degree in most New York State Colleges. Some colleges in NY do require more credits than that for the Bachelors Degree, though.
Most importantly - savor your high school years and make the most of them. Study, attain good grades, be active and that will keep you focused on the important things. Also run things by your high school guidance counselor as they are a rich source of information, support and referrals ! Best wishes to you !
Updated
Tanaka’s Answer
Yes definitely!
In Advanced Level if you choose a combination of Arts subjects that means when you apply for at a University you go to the department of Arts and Humanities or Social and Behavioral department. You cannot got of a department of health sciences if you did arts subjects.
In Advanced Level if you choose a combination of Arts subjects that means when you apply for at a University you go to the department of Arts and Humanities or Social and Behavioral department. You cannot got of a department of health sciences if you did arts subjects.