APs: why do we take them, again?

Every year, millions of high school students throughout the country are brought to tears at the sight of the AP exams. It sits atop this untouchable pedestal. It is at the peak of Mount Everest. People use strategies -- “study tools” -- and go through pages and pages of practice tests but few make it out unscathed. And yet, despite the untold tension and stress students, teachers, parents and families alike bear, those in AP classes should definitely take the exam.  The benefits of taking the exam are endless. For one, college board studies show that as much as 85 percent of selective colleges and universities report that AP experience favorably impacts admission decisions. Plus, APs are global credentials. A qualifying exam score is recognized in as many as 60 other countries worldwide. In many universities in the UK and Europe, a 3 or 4 fulfills admission requirements. Taking the AP exam also raises the potential to earn the AP scholar award. The certificate is presented to students who demonstrated exemplary college-level achievement on the exam. A high score would be required, but there is no harm in trying. To put in a language all high schoolers understand: this would look great on college applications. A major deal breaker to some when considering taking the exam is expenses. The College Board, which oversees all the exams across the U.S., is a non-profit organization but costs are still high. In the past, prices were around $87-$89. This year it has been raised to $98. For some families, that may be too much. Financials, however, should never be the reason someone does not take the exam. There are various programs available to help if money is an issue. Another growing concern amongst students and parents alike is that even with a high score on the exam, the credits won’t transfer and the course will have to be repeated in college. A fair concern, but oversimplified. As much as 90 percent of colleges in the U.S. offer credit for qualifying exam scores. In fact, most or even all California state universities do. Of course, private universities like Stanford or more exclusive colleges like Harvard may not apply. Even so, assumptions about college credits are not reasons to forgo taking the AP exam.  This year the AP exam registration date has been moved from March to November, far from when the exam actually takes place in the spring. Many are concerned with the closer deadline as it may cause a whole other set of financial issues. Any who later decide to drop the class or opt out of taking the exam will be required to pay a $40 cancellation fee. This conflict is most prominently seen with seniors. Upon the arrival of college acceptance letters, most will have a fairly clear idea of which university they would be attending next fall. And, as previously mentioned, not all colleges offer college credit for APs. Some are worried that after registering for the exam, they will learn that their efforts were unnecessary and will find themselves in a complicated mess trying to make last-minute cancellations.  It should be kept in mind that,  AP classes are not compulsory. In no way is any student ever required to take any to graduate. That being said, in today's society, APs are a major resume booster, especially if you pass. Elite universities  recommend taking as many as possible. However, let us not forget that a low grade in an AP class actually hurts more than a good grade in an honor’s class. APs are not for everybody. Students should choose their classes wisely. At the end of the day, students who are enrolled in AP classes might as well take the end of the year exam. Teachers instruct their students, they coach them, they test them. The entire year is essentially spent preparing for it. Between the college credits and the award opportunities, the AP exam is icing on the cake.