How to Choose an AP Course
Thinking about taking an AP course? You’re already on the right track. AP courses can help you build skills, stand out in college admissions, and give you the opportunity to earn college credit or placement based on your AP Exam score.
As you explore your options, remember that you’ll sign up for AP courses through your school—not on this website. Many high schools begin course selection in the winter or spring for the following school year, so check with your counselor or teacher about your school’s process and deadlines.
Instructions
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Find out which courses your school offers.
Not all AP courses are available at every school. Talk with your counselor, teachers, or AP coordinator to learn which ones are available, and whether your school has any prerequisites for them.
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Explore AP courses on our site.
Start at the AP Courses and Exams page to get an overview of each course and exam, including any recommended courses you should take first. You can also read about what courses pair well together and the most popular courses by grade.
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See which AP courses we know you’re ready for.
If you’ve taken the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or PSAT 8/9, use AP Potential in the SAT Suite Student Score Reports portal to find out which AP courses we think you’re likely to do well in, and which of them are offered at your school.
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Check which AP courses could earn you college credit.
Search our credit policy tool by AP course or by institution to see the college credit or advanced placement you could earn with qualifying AP Exam scores.
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Talk to your counselor or teacher about signing up.
Your teacher or counselor will be able to tell you how to sign up and what to do to prepare for the AP course you’re interested in. Use this conversation starter (.pdf) to guide your discussion. Conversation starters in languages other than English are also available.
FAQ
Can anyone take AP?
The AP Program believes that any student who is academically ready for a challenge and is willing to put in the work should be able to enroll in AP courses. We strongly encourage all high schools to follow this principle.
You don’t need to be top of your class to be an AP student, but you’ll want to be prepared for the AP course you choose. Some AP classes have recommended courses you should take first, and all AP courses ask that you come willing to do your best work.
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.
The AP course I want to take isn’t offered at my school. What should I do?
Talk to your counselor about taking the course through an authorized online provider.
You should also know that you can self-study for most AP Exams—you don’t have to take the course beforehand, although we recommend you do. See also this FAQ: The AP Exam I want to take isn’t offered at my school. What should I do?
If I take an AP course, do I have to take the corresponding AP Exam?
While we recommend taking the AP Exam after taking an AP course, it is not required by College Board. However, some schools require that students taking an AP class take the exam. Talk to your AP coordinator, teacher, or counselor to find out what your school’s policy is.
I’m homeschooled. How can I take an AP course?
First, you should know that you can self-study for most AP Exams—you don’t have to take the course beforehand, although we recommend you do. To arrange to take an AP Exam, you’ll have to contact a local high school that administers them. See also this FAQ: I’m homeschooled/my school doesn't administer AP Exams. How can I take an AP Exam?
If you do want to take an AP course, look into online providers authorized by the AP Program in the AP Course Ledger.
How many AP courses should I take?
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.