You may wonder if all the extra hassle of AP (Advanced Placement) and IB (International Baccalaureate) courses is worth the result - do colleges really favor students who have followed these academically challenging routes? Maybe you've considered taking dual-enrollment classes, which offer high school students the chance to study college level programs while still at school. Well, the potential benefit of these all depends on your college goals.
What's offered by these classes?
AP, IB and duel-enrollment classes give students a chance to be challenged at a higher level academically. It's possible to earn college credit by meeting particular requirements for these classes. Therefore, it's possible that you may actually save money by taking these courses in high school, since you can complete your college course more quickly than other students, saving you some hard-earned pennies! Less college = Less money.
Counting the credit
Don't, however, think that getting college credit will be easy. Students who follow AP or IB courses usually have to contend with a heavier homework and class workload than their high school counterparts, and must also complete end-of-year tests. Each college has a certain score students must earn for the credit to count. So if you do well in the class, but not on the test, you may not receive college credit for this course.
Credits from dual-credit courses are not always accepted towards the total credit count - check out the restrictions for your college of choice. It may depend on whether you are making an in-state application, or wish to apply to a college out-of-state.
The safest course of action to take before entering into an AP, IB or dual-enrollment class is to quiz some of the colleges you are considering applying to regarding their policy. It's good to be certain of what credits and scores you'll need, and college admissions officers are usually happy to help you find the answers you're looking for.
What College Admissions Officers Look For
There are many factors taken into consideration by admissions officers when they decide which students will fit in at their college. Don't just rely on AP and IB courses to flatter your way into the college of your choice. While the more competitive institutions do require candidates to have followed a broad-ranging, challenging program at high school, ACT and SAT scores, overall GPA and your contribution to extra-curricular activities both inside and outside school are all players in this game! One person's idea of a "challenging curriculum" may be different from the next person's.
Remember, your college search won't necessarily be easier just because you take AP or IB classes. You won't automatically be granted a place in a more competitive college, and there is no way of telling how many AP or IB classes you should take in order to win them over.
Top Tip: Play to your strengths in high school - study subjects that you find interesting and which provide you with a challenge. Follow your own academic path when studying - if AP or IB classes help you to do this, and give you the opportunity to gain college credit, it's a bonus!
I want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to go to college. This means getting in, finding the right college fit and paying for school. I love to share what I've learned and I hope you can find some useful information useful in your college search. |
No comments:
Post a Comment