Key points:
It is no secret that college admissions have only become more and more competitive over the last 50 years. The number of students applying to college has increased, while the number of spots at colleges and universities in the United States has remained relatively constant. For Ivy League schools, acceptance rates are usually under 10 percent, with many accepting fewer than 5 percent of the students who apply. Acceptance rates at other top-tier colleges can be equally low.
The competitive nature of college admissions can leave students in a panic, desperate to prove their academic excellence. Admissions officers and experts get asked all the time how students can stand out, including whether AP classes matter for their chances. Many students worry about the lack of AP courses offered at their school. Fortunately for these students, there are other ways to prove academic excellence. This does not mean that AP classes are irrelevant–far from it–but they’re not all that matter. Teachers and guidance counselors can play a pivotal role in helping students showcase their academic potential regardless of what’s offered in a particular school.
How important are AP classes for college admission?
AP courses are a time-tested way to prove academic rigor, making them an integral part of many students’ college admissions strategy–their importance for college admissions, however, comes down to what a school offers.
Because AP classes use a standardized test to assess how well students have learned and can apply the concepts taught in these courses, they are generally well accepted by colleges and universities both as a measure of academic achievement and for college credit. This makes them a good choice for high achieving students, particularly those looking to go to an elite university. That does not mean, however, that they are necessary.
AP classes matter the most when a school offers them. Universities, but especially elite ones, evaluate students based on how well they challenged themselves academically in their school and compared to their peers. This means that if a school offers AP courses, students should absolutely take them–especially those most relevant to their intended major. Not doing so implies that a student is not up for academic challenge and makes their application weaker in comparison to others from their school. But if a school does not offer AP courses, students can show academic excellence in other ways without hurting their admissions chances.
6 ways students can showcase excellence if their school doesn’t offer AP classes
If a high school does not offer AP courses, or offers very few that are hard to get into, there are several effective strategies a student can use to demonstrate academic rigor and challenge themselves. Here’s what a student in this situation can do:
1. Enroll in dual enrollment or college-level courses
Many community colleges and universities offer dual enrollment programs that allow high school students to take college-level classes. These courses are often viewed as equivalent to AP in terms of rigor and can show colleges that a student is taking the initiative to pursue advanced coursework.
2. Take online AP or advanced courses
Numerous accredited online programs provide AP courses that students can take independently. Platforms like EdX, Coursera, or school-affiliated online programs often offer college-level coursework in various subjects. AP courses from the College Board’s approved providers, like Apex Learning or Florida Virtual School, are good options because they are recognized by colleges.
3. Self-study for AP exams
A motivated student can self-study for AP exams using prep books, online resources, or AP exam prep courses and still take the AP exams at a local testing center. Scoring well on AP exams (even without an official AP course) will show admissions committees that the student has mastered college-level content independently.
4. Pursue honors or IB courses (if available)
If the school offers honors or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, these can also provide academic rigor and preparation for college-level work. IB courses, in particular, are highly regarded by colleges and provide a rigorous academic foundation.
5. Engage in rigorous independent study or research
Demonstrating commitment to a subject through independent research or study can be powerful. For instance, if a student is interested in biology, they could conduct local research or complete a capstone project. Such independent projects can demonstrate initiative and depth of interest, especially if the student presents their findings in local events, publications, or competitions.
6. Communicate context to colleges
In applications, students should clearly explain their school’s offerings and how they’ve maximized available opportunities. Many application platforms allow for an explanation of academic limitations, and guidance counselors can also mention the lack of AP offerings in their recommendation letters.
Motivated students have options when it comes to showcasing their ability to challenge themselves academically and prove college readiness. Teachers and guidance counselors looking to help students, particularly those targeting elite universities, can direct students to these strategies, which admissions officers recognize as strong indicators of readiness and resilience.
