First, you should consider whether you are a college-bound student. If you know you will not be attending a traditional four-year university, the added costs and time associated with advanced high school courses may not be worth your time. But, if you are considering college as your next step, you should know that colleges examine the academic rigor of your high school curriculum. A more challenging curriculum will not only show that you have a strong foundation of college-level work, but also that you have the work ethic and ambition to succeed in college. Before beginning any advanced curriculum, make sure that you have a firm grasp on the underlying fundamentals.
During the admissions process, respectable grades in college-level courses show universities that you are stretching yourself to achieve academic goals. These advanced courses can get you ready for college academics by improving your writing skills, your time management skills and problem-solving skills.
College prep courses can afford you the opportunity to receive credit for college courses. You may be able to skip that course in college altogether -- saving you time and money. Taking advanced Placement courses in high school allows high school students to enroll in college-level courses and demonstrate their mastery of the subject through Advanced Placement exams. If you achieve your university's desired score on these exams, you can receive college credit for the course. Entering college with credits may give you the flexibility you need to graduate early, study abroad or double major. Likewise, students who succeed in Advanced Placement courses tend to fare well in the college setting.
There is no guarantee that enrolling in college-level courses will actually prepare you for college. Your preparation depends on the rigor of the instruction and whether you apply yourself. College courses come with a more rigorous workload than traditional high school classes. You need to factor in the time it takes to do well in these courses and balance it with other extracurricular or work obligations.
College prep courses may cost you money. For example, if you wish to "test out" of college-level courses through an Advanced Placement exam, each exam costs about $87. Even though these fees are significantly less than college tuition rates, if you take multiple courses and multiple exams, the costs can add up. Furthermore, some competitive universities not only require a passing grade on these exams but a high passing grade.