Taking Advanced Placement courses is not a prerequisite to taking the Advanced Placement exams, but an Advanced Placement course's curriculum is focused around the examination. These classes will aid you in achieving the best score possible on the Advanced Placement exam, which can earn you college credit, saving you time and money. Even if you elect to not take the Advanced Placement exams, these classes will offer a more thorough study of the subject matter that will help you in college. Additionally, the critical thinking skills applied in these classes prepare your mind to think as a college student.
Dual-credit or concurrent enrollment courses are administered jointly through your high school and a local college. These classes offer credit for both high school and the affiliated college and may be offered at either institution. You will be awarded college credit for passing these classes, without needing to take a separate examination, but credit transfer is at the discretion of the college you attend after high school graduation.
Your high school has minimum curriculum requirements for graduation but you can go the extra mile with your class schedule. Take advanced classes in core subjects such like mathematics, science and social studies. If your school offers classes like Biology 2 or Chemistry 2, enroll in those. Taking advanced classes not only makes you a better candidate for admission but it will also help prepare you for the laborious workload of a four-year university.
Many private companies offer preparatory classes for the SAT and ACT admission exams. Some high schools also offers these after school, as well. These courses will go over the test's content, while also teaching you testing strategies to ensure that you reach your full potential when taking these crucial admission exams.