Extra Credit

Get a jump on earning college credits while you’re still in high school

How does entering college as a sophomore sound? Maybe you'd like to get some of those core classes out of the way so that you can explore other subjects that truly interest you. Or perhaps you'd like to graduate early and save money.

If any of these options sound appealing to you, consider taking Advanced Placement-or AP-classes during high school.

AP classes are more quickly paced to prepare you for college-level work and help you to develop study habits needed in higher education. Courses range from calculus to Latin to music theory to art history-with 37 AP courses across 22 subject areas, there is an AP class for everyone.

The only requirement to take AP classes is a willingness to work hard. However, some high schools may have their own prerequisites. (Check with your school guidance counselor to see which classes are offered on your campus.)

After completing the AP class, you can sign up to take the AP exam, which is given each May. While there is a fee for taking the exam (about $80), it's much less than paying college tuition for the course. (The exam fees may be lowered for students with financial need; check with your school's AP coordinator for more information on fee reductions.)

If you do well enough on the exam, you earn college credit for that course-and it's one less class you'll have to take (and pay for) in college!

The exams are usually rated on a scale of one to five, with five being the best score. Check with the college in which you're interested to find out the necessary score to receive college credit.

Even if you don't take the exam, doing well in AP classes looks great on your high school transcript. Pulling down good grades in AP classes lets colleges know that you are willing to be challenged academically and work hard.

For more information about AP classes or testing, contact your school guidance counselor or visit www.collegeboard.com.