Advanced Placement Examinations: A Review of Their Educational Value
Advanced Placement (AP) examinations are a series of standardized tests administered by the College Board that provide students with the opportunity to earn college credit or advanced placement in college-level courses. Since their inception in 1955, these exams have become increasingly popular among high school students as they offer the chance to gain college credit and demonstrate college-level knowledge prior to enrolling in college. This article will review the educational value of AP exams and discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of taking them.
The educational value of AP exams lies in their ability to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their college-level knowledge prior to enrolling in college. Taking AP classes and doing well on the associated exams can give students an edge when applying to college, as they may have already completed some of the college-level coursework required for admission. Additionally, since AP exams are accepted at most colleges and universities, they provide students with the opportunity to get a head start on their college education by earning college credit for exams taken in high school. Finally, taking AP classes and doing well on the exams can help students develop the skills and knowledge required for college-level coursework, as well as provide them with the confidence to tackle more challenging course material.
Although AP exams can provide students with a number of educational benefits, there are also potential drawbacks to taking them. One of the most significant drawbacks is the cost associated with taking the exams. AP exams are not free and taking multiple exams can add up quickly. Additionally, depending on the college or university a student is applying to, the credits earned from AP exams may not be accepted for certain courses or may not be accepted at all. Furthermore, if a student does not do well on the AP exams, this could negatively impact their college application, as it may indicate that they are unprepared for college-level coursework.
In conclusion, taking AP exams can provide students with a number of educational benefits, such as the chance to demonstrate college-level knowledge prior to enrolling in college, the ability to get a head start on their college education by earning college credit, and the development of skills and knowledge required for college-level coursework. However, there are also potential drawbacks to taking these exams, such as the cost associated with them and the possibility of not earning college credit or negatively impacting a college application. Ultimately, it is up to each student to decide whether or not the benefits of taking AP exams are worth the associated costs and risks.
References
College Board. (n.d.). Advanced Placement (AP) Exams. Retrieved from https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/exam
Hart, B. (2019, April 30). The Pros and Cons of Advanced Placement (AP) Classes. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/pros-and-cons-of-ap-classes-3122179
Khan Academy. (n.d.). Should I take AP classes and exams? Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/college-admissions/applying-to-college/ap-credits-placement/a/should-i-take-ap-classes-and-exams