Why Advanced Placement Classes?

     Advanced Placement classes, otherwise known as AP classes, are college level classes that high school students take.  The classes are more rigorous and follow specific guidelines.  The student's knowledge is measured in May with a national test.  If a student scores a 3, 4 or a 5 on the test, most colleges will honor college units.  Colleges also then know that a student can handle the work and a rigor of a college class.  High schools also weigh the AP classes with a higher GPA score.  Where a tradional class's GPA ranking ranges from a 0 to a 4, an AP classes ranking ranges from 0 to 5.  An A grade is now worth a 5, and a B is now worth a 4 on the GPA scale. 
     Where students run into issues is when their grades are not good in an AP class.  A D or an F is still a D or an F.  Colleges accept neither grade. 
     My advise:  Choose your AP classes wisely.  Be sure you have the time, the work ethic and the commitment to start the class, be successful in the class and complete the class.  Colleges do not want to see students quit.  Colleges want students to finish what s/he commits himself to and take the test in May.  A student must plan to set a good amount of time each night to studying and truly doing the work assigned.  Success in an AP class is big.  The sacrifice is well worth it.