Choosing Your AP Courses

Some AP classes have recommended courses you should take first—check the specific course page for that information. Your high school may also have requirements for specific AP courses. Talk to your school counselor or a teacher to find out more.

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AP classes can be challenging, but that doesn’t mean you’re not up to the task. If you’re willing to work hard and if you’re prepared academically, you should be able to succeed in an AP course. 

And remember, students benefit from taking AP courses and exams  no matter their score.

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The AP Program believes that all motivated and academically prepared students should be able to enroll in AP courses. We strongly encourage all high schools to follow this principle.

Some high schools let any student enroll in an AP course as long as the student has taken the recommended prerequisite courses. Other high schools have additional rules—for example, you might have to pass a placement test to enroll in an AP course. Ask your counselor what the process is at your school.

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There's no specific number of AP courses that's right for all students. Every student is unique. Talk to your teachers and school counselor to help decide if you are ready to take AP courses and how many to take.  

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No. Any student who is academically ready for a challenge and is willing to put in the work should consider taking AP. Your teachers or school counselor can help you decide if AP is right for you.

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Yes, as long as you are prepared to complete college-level work. Read more about prerequisites and other rules. AP Human Geography is a popular AP course for 9th grade, and AP Seminar, AP Computer Science Principles, AP European History, and AP World History are popular for 10th.

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There's no specific number of AP courses that's right for all students. Every student is unique. Talk to your teachers and school counselor to help decide if you are ready to take AP courses and find the right balance of courses.

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AP courses are reviewed and approved by college faculty to make sure that every student who takes AP is being asked to do college-level work, no matter where they take it. AP Exams are a standard way to measure how well students have mastered the subject matter. Honors classes don’t necessarily prepare students for AP Exams, and there is no way to earn college credit simply by taking an honors class. 

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AP courses are reviewed and approved by college faculty to make sure that every student who takes AP is being asked to do college-level work, no matter where they take it. AP Exams are a standard way to measure how well students have mastered the subject matter. Dual enrollment programs don't offer a standard way to measure whether students have mastered college-level work. Because of this, it's difficult for college admission officers to know the quality or difficulty level of any dual enrollment course. 

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