By Jackson Gianchetta
As many of Ponte Vedra High School’s seniors look ahead to their upcoming freshman year of college, many find themselves in the dark when it comes to implementing college credit earned in AP Courses, specifically when it comes to determining whether to actually use these credits.
Before discussing the factors that go into that decision seniors must first understand how colleges apply these credits. While systems and policies may vary a little bit from school to school, the general process for using earned AP credit is relatively similar.
Assuming schools have received your exam scores, full credit for the university’s equivalent course is applied automatically at the discretion of a student’s academic advisor usually in increments of one, three, or four course hours. At some schools, such as Florida State University, these credits are applied as course equivalents generally listed on the university’s website. At others, such as the University of Florida, Academic Advisors may have more agency in determining what credit can be applied. In this case, it is important for students to meet at some time with their academic advisor to ensure that these credits are applied in a manner that best satisfies their needs, be it knocking out gen-ed or major required courses or determining whether there is value in retaking a course similar to an AP credit. Some schools, such as Brown, Dartmouth, and Caltech may not accept any AP Credits at all. In any case it I important that students consult their school’s website to fully understand how this process may work for them individually.
So, why do students choose to apply these credits? One of the main reasons is to save both time and money. By earning college credits while still in high school, students can potentially shorten their time in college and reduce tuition costs. This can be particularly advantageous for those pursuing advanced degrees or looking to graduate early.
However, there are potential downsides to applying AP credits that students must carefully consider. College courses may delve deeper into subject matter than AP classes, providing additional insights and nuances that were not covered in high school. Furthermore, some college programs are designed to build upon introductory courses, meaning that skipping them via AP credits could leave students at a disadvantage in more advanced classes.
Additionally, the rigor of college-level coursework may differ from that of AP courses, and students who apply credits may miss out on valuable experiences that could better prepare them for future academic and professional endeavors. Many of these courses provide students with useful skills or tools that can prove extremely useful going forward. Consider that the first-year English class students may dread taking actually provides a more forgiving introduction to college level writing assignments or that the introductory calculus course that many desire to skip could contain content not covered in high school, leading to learning gaps students may have to fill on their own.
“you’d be surprised how different some of these college courses are from the AP versions; sometimes it is easier to take a refresher than be in over your head in something more advanced.”
conner swart (freshman at FSU)
Ultimately, the decision to apply AP credits or retake courses in college is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It depends on several factors, including the student’s intended major or career path and their level of confidence in the subject matter. As current University of Florida student Joe Sinder puts it “The most important part in this process is having the ability to not only evaluate your own knowledge but also to be able to reach out and ask for help” elaborating, “…consult the website, reach out to current students. It’s important to have a solid understanding of the contents of the courses you choose to opt out of.”
For students pursuing majors or careers where a solid foundation in a particular subject is crucial, retaking courses in college may be beneficial. On the other hand, students with a solid grasp of the material and a desire to expedite their academic journey may choose to apply AP credits. “There’s nothing wrong with taking some of the tougher courses again.” according to Conner Swart a freshman at Florida State University, “you’d be surprised how different some of these college courses are from the AP versions; sometimes it is easier to take a refresher than be in over your head in something more advanced.”
It is essential for students to weigh these factors carefully and consult with academic advisors or admissions counselors to make an informed decision. The goal should be to maximize academic success while ensuring a fulfilling and enriching college experience. Whether to apply AP credits or retake courses in college is a personal decision that requires thoughtful consideration and planning.
