Advanced Placement (AP) college-level courses and exams offer high school students the opportunity to earn college credit, stand out in the competitive college admission process and prepare for the rigors of college through challenging classes. AP courses emphasize the skills and habits needed to be successful in higher education, including demanding writing skills, problem-solving abilities, time management discipline and sharpened study habits. Most four-year colleges in the United States and colleges in more than 60 other countries give students credit, advanced placement or both on the basis of AP Exam scores. By entering college with AP credits, students have the time to move into upper level courses, pursue a double-major or study abroad.

Research shows that AP experience benefit teens in several important ways:

• AP students are more likely to graduate from college in four years — students who take longer to graduate at public colleges and universities can spend up to $19,000 for each additional year.
• AP helps students qualify for scholarships — 31 percent of colleges and universities look at AP experience when determining scholarships.