How AP Classes Became the Gold Standard
Once upon a time, Advanced Placement (AP) courses were an opportunity for ambitious students to go beyond their high school’s curriculum. When the program launched in the 1950s, there were just 11 subjects and a few thousand students enrolled. Today, there are over 38 AP courses, with 2.8 million students worldwide taking part.
And the program keeps growing.
- In 2024, AP Precalculus and AP African American Studies were added.
- By 2026-2027, students will see AP Business Principles/Personal Finance, AP Cyber: Networking, and AP Cyber: Security—all part of the AP Career Kickstart Program.
The College Board has been losing market share to its rival, the ACT, and is boosting its revenue stream with an increased emphasis on the AP program.
As a result, what was originally designed as an enrichment opportunity for students to explore subjects in greater depth has transformed into a perceived necessity for college admissions. The program’s purpose has shifted from providing advanced coursework for students who had exhausted their high school’s standard curriculum to becoming a benchmark for demonstrating college readiness.
The Truth About AP Classes & Your GPA
A lot of students (and parents) assume that loading up on AP courses is a guaranteed way to boost a GPA. But here’s the reality:
- Getting an A in a standard course (4.0 GPA) is often equal to a B in an AP course (4.0 weighted GPA).
- Colleges see beyond just the number of AP classes. They also look at your performance in them—a transcript full of AP courses with low grades won’t impress.
So, if you’re considering AP classes, don’t just think about GPA. Ask yourself:
- Am I interested in the subject?
- Can I handle the workload without burning out?
- Will this class challenge me in a way that makes me excited to learn?
If the answer is yes, then AP might be a great fit. But if you’re signing up just because you think you “should,” it’s worth reconsidering.
Who Gets Access To AP Courses? (And Who Doesn’t?)
One of the biggest issues with the AP system is who actually gets to take these classes. Not every school offers the same opportunities, and research shows that low-income, first-generation, and minority students often have fewer AP courses available.
Even when AP courses are available, enrollment often doesn’t reflect the school’s demographic composition. Schools in underfunded areas struggle to retain AP teachers, and without the right support, students can feel like AP classes aren’t meant for them.
This is why it’s so important to advocate for yourself. If you want to take an AP class but your school doesn’t offer it, ask about:
- Online AP course options
- Dual enrollment with a local college
- Independent study with teacher support
It’s not always easy, but there are ways to access AP-level learning even if it’s not immediately available.
AP & College Admissions: How Much is Enough?
There’s a common belief that more AP classes = better college applications, but that’s not necessarily true. Different colleges look at AP coursework differently:
- Highly selective schools expect to see multiple AP classes with strong grades. An occasional B is fine, but a string of low grades in AP courses can hurt more than help.
- Moderately selective colleges appreciate AP coursework, but they care just as much about balance—a few AP classes with solid grades, plus strong extracurriculars, can be just as valuable as an overloaded AP schedule.
- All schools want to see that you challenged yourself appropriately based on what was available to you.
Do your best to challenge yourself without overloading your schedule. A high school experience full of stress and exhaustion isn’t worth it if it leaves you burned out before college even starts.
How To Choose The Right AP Courses For You
Instead of worrying about how many AP courses you should take, focus on which ones actually make sense for you.
- Talk to students who’ve taken the class—how’s the teacher? What’s the workload like?
- Choose AP classes that genuinely interest you—colleges can tell when you’re padding your schedule.
- If you take an AP class, commit to the AP exam. A strong score (4 or 5) can validate your performance.
AP Courses Should Work for You—Not The Other Way Around
Colleges want to see engaged, curious students—not just a transcript full of AP courses with no real passion behind them.
- The best reason to take an AP course? Because you want to challenge yourself and learn.
- The worst reason? Because you think you “have to.”
Remember that each student’s ideal academic path is unique. The goal is to create a high school experience that balances challenges with success and fosters genuine learning. If you are unsure of what direction you want to go in and want some additional guidance on AP classes, please don’t hesitate to reach out. By empowering students to make informed decisions about their education, I get to support individual progress and the betterment of society as a whole.
