Should I take an A.P. class?

Or, to ask it another way: "To A.P. or not to A.P.?" That is the question! 

To help us with the answer to that question, our college counselor, Mrs. Elizabeth Thomason, asked 20 college admission counselors this question:

Mathematically, an “A” in a Collegiate Studies class equals a 4.0. Similarly, a “B” in an A.P. class, with a weight of +1, also equals a 4.0.  So if all else is equal about an applicant, which do colleges view more favorably - a “B” in an A.P. course or an “A” in a standard course?” 

Here’s what the college admissions counselors said: 

--11 out of 20 college admission counselors said they prefer a “B” in an AP course over the “A” in a standard course.

--4 admission counselors said that they prefer the “A” in a standard course.

--5 admissions counselors did not give a direct response but spoke about rigor being important in the review process.  

Listed below is a sampling of responses from the admissions counselors. 

“If a school offers AP courses we expect students to engage in some of those courses in order to show their ability to perform well in challenging, college-level coursework. They don’t have to max out the number that the school offers to gain admission but we expect students to challenge themselves.” Kaitlin Crepps, Assistant Director of Admissions, The George Washington University

“For the student who is confident they can succeed in the class, an AP course is always worth the extra work. It is a nationally standardized course and exam, so colleges know that the intellectual rigor is present. Wofford will look more favorably upon an AP course than solely an honors course, dual enrollment course, or CP (college prep) course.” Spencer Thomas, Admission Counselor and Coordinator for International Recruitment, Wofford College

“For Special Programs (like Honors College)strength of schedule plays a significant role in their application. Hypothetically, if their high school provides students with the opportunity to challenge themselves within the classroom and students are opting out of that experience, it does not look favorably when applying for a program centered around challenging the student.” Shelby Rae Hamel, Admission Counselor, The University of Mississippi

"While we use unweighted gpa, we also look at rigor in both admissions and scholarship decisions. We try to consider the context of the school as well. Some schools limit the number of AP classes or require a certain grade in that subject from the year before to take an AP class. I’d rather see As in coursework with a mix of AP and regular classes than Bs in ALL AP coursework.” Gail Roberson, Director of Admissions - Houston Recruitment, Trinity University 

"While we use unweighted GPAs, we do focus heavily on difficulty of curriculum, so the student who has challenged themselves more is rewarded for that challenge provided they are getting mostly A’s with an occasional B or C.” Carie Weeks, Associate Director of Admission, Gonzaga University 

“While UA is essentially looking at the weighted GPA and not necessarily factoring in AP courses taken, students’ high school GPAs get the AP/Honors weight added in which in turn will show up on the weighted cumulative GPAs on their high school transcripts. There is the personal decision a student must take in choosing to take AP courses. If they are struggling where it is affecting their grades negatively, then they may want to reconsider taking that AP course in that subject or altogether. However, there are advantages such as potentially receiving college credit(s). So not only are students receiving great college preparation in the classrooms, they are also earning credit toward their college diplomas. And if fewer classes are required then in a way you could say it’s kind of like giving yourself a reduction in pay for cost of attendance in college.” Julian Katz, Regional Recruiter Manager, The University of Alabama

Unfortunately, there is not a magic GPA that guarantees a student will get admitted and offered scholarships at every school to which they apply. More important than a particular GPA is that students continue to challenge themselves in high school academically, socially, and spiritually. Overcoming obstacles, building character, and finding their confidence will serve them more in the future than striving for a certain GPA.  

So--to AP or not AP? Based on what the majority of college counselors are saying, the student should take the A.P. class if he or she is willing to work hard, and thinks that he or she can make a B or better. Most colleges will regard the "B" more favorably, and the student's improved "strength of schedule" will speak more powerfully to them.

But a student should not take the A.P.class if he or she wants to cruise!

Articles & Blogs About Holistic Admissions & GPA Evaluation

Georgia Tech Admission Blog - How the Olympics Explain College Admission Part I and Part II

UVA Admission Blog - Course Rigor and Curriculum Strength Aren’t Just Numbers

Tufts University Blog - Let’s Talk Numbers - Testing and GPAs