These are the most popular AP courses
More than 81,000 New Jersey high school students took AP exams last year, recognizing their importance in the college application process.
According to statistics from College Board, AP courses are offered at 86% of public high schools in the state. In Central Jersey, the participation rate in AP courses is particularly impressive with more than 50% of students partaking at a multitude of schools including Hillsborough and Montgomery.
But not all AP courses are equally appealing. Among ninth and 10th graders, the most popular AP courses are Human Geography, World History: Modern, European History, AP Seminar, Computer Science Principles, and World Language and Culture.
Among 11th graders, the favored AP courses are English Language and Composition, U.S. History, Psychology, Biology, Physics 1, AP Seminar, AP Research, Computer Science Principles, and Art and Design.
More: 4 most important achievements to highlight on college applications | College Connection
Among 12th graders, the most popular AP courses are English Literature & Composition, U.S. Government & Politics, Calculus AB, Statistics, Psychology, AP Research, Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, and Art and Design.
In a survey by College Board, some 30,000 high school seniors were asked, 'What AP course(s) would you have taken if your school offered it? The responses that ranked in the Top 5 were Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Computer Science A.
The benefits of taking AP courses are many. They are instrumental in helping students stand out among their peers on college applications. College admissions officers compare students from the same high school, as they are provided with identical course options. Earning high scores in an abundance of AP courses, in comparison with one's classmates, gives a boost to a student's applications.
More: These 10 schools offer the best return on investment | College Connection
Most colleges and universities offer college credit and/or advanced placement for qualifying AP exam scores – typically for a 5 or 4 but sometimes even for a 3.
Research indicates that students who take AP courses and exams in high school are more likely than their peers to graduate from college on time, providing a substantial financial benefit.
'Universities around the world recognize AP when making admission decisions, course requisites, and awarding university credit,' according to College Board. 'In fact, half of students entering four-year colleges are now starting school with some credit from AP courses.'
Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: These are the most popular AP courses | Opinion
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