AP Credit: A Resource Worth Checking Out
by: Trisha Webb

If you want to make the most of your high school career and possibly earn college credit before you even begin to think about where you want to attend college, then advanced placement credit might be perfect for you.

Advanced placement courses give you the opportunity to experience the quantity and quality of work that colleges and universities expect from their students. AP courses allow you to prove that you have the drive to excel in your educational environment and the drive and determination to successfully complete advanced coursework. The courses enable you to adjust to the workloads that you'll face in college, while proving yourself to the colleges and universities you want to attend. In addition, the AP program enables some students to gain a better understanding of what career or major they want to pursue in college because they have an opportunity to study a variety of subjects in depth.

If you're interested in enrolling in AP courses, you will need to speak to an AP teacher or coordinator at your school to find out how to become involved. You will be able to discuss the course offerings and find out if there are any prerequisites for the AP program at your school.

In addition, if you are home schooled or your school does not offer any AP courses, there are still opportunities for you to gain AP credit. Organizations such as Virtual High School (www.govhs.org/website.nsf) and state-specific online resources like the Michigan Virtual High School (www.mivhs.org) give you an opportunity to participate in class 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Companies such as Aventa Learning and Apex Learning also offer online AP resources.

As many colleges and universities continue to raise the standards for incoming freshmen, AP credit is one important way to distinguish yourself from all of the other applicants. But make sure you plan ahead; many teachers require coursework and reading assignments to be completed throughout the summer months. Good luck in your AP courses and enjoy the experience!

If you are already enrolled in AP courses and are preparing for exams, the exam schedule for spring 2004 is as follows:

Late testing dates are May 19-21, 2004.