FAQ #10: Given that AP tests are not until May of my senior year and colleges will never see my test scores, why should I bother with AP classes?

ANSWER: Clearly, your final test scores on AP tests will not affect your college admissions. However, many colleges use your AP test scores for placement purposes, thus allowing students with high AP scores to skip introductory courses. Some students with a lot of 4 and 5 AP scores begin college with sophomore standing and get college credit for their AP coursework. Your parents will probably like that because this may allow you to graduate early.

And by the way, colleges do pay attention to your second semester grades. In a few cases where a student has slacked off during the last half of his or her senior year, colleges have been known to rescind their admission.

FAQ #11: What if my high school doesn’t offer any AP courses or just a few? Won’t that hurt my chances for college admissions?

ANSWER: No. Colleges are pretty savvy about what’s going on in high schools throughout the country. They realize that resources at different schools vary and they take this into account when they evaluate student applications from disadvantaged high schools. They often ask, “Has this student taken advantage of the most demanding coursework and resources available to her or him?” If your high school is one of those that offers few or no advanced courses, let the colleges know; they won’t hold it against you.