Can you take AP classes over the summer? The short answer: yes. The longer answer? Buckle up, because it’s a bit more complicated than signing up for your average summer class.
Over the past decade, the percentage of public high school graduates nationwide taking an AP Exam has climbed from 31.5% in the class of 2013 to 34.7% in the class of 2023. Advanced Placement (AP) classes, crafted by the College Board, pack a punch when it comes to academic rigor.
Taking them during the summer might just be your golden ticket to Ivy League aspirations—or, at the very least, a smoother school year. But is this the right path for you? Let’s dive in and find out.
- Availability of Summer AP Classes
- Why Take AP Classes over the Summer?
- Unique AP Classes You Can Take
- Tips for Showcasing AP Coursework in College Applications
- How Many APs Should You Take for Ivy League?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
Availability of Summer AP Classes
AP classes are traditionally offered at high schools, where they are part of the curriculum for students looking to challenge themselves and earn college credit. To enroll in AP courses, you typically need to meet certain prerequisites or placement requirements set by your school. This could involve completing prerequisite courses, passing a placement test, or simply having a strong academic record.
Once you’re eligible, you can sign up for the courses through your school’s registration process, often in the spring before the upcoming school year. However, if your school doesn’t offer the AP courses you want, or if you’re looking for extra flexibility, there are plenty of online resources available to help you self-study for the exams.
How do you get into AP classes?
Some high schools let you sign up for AP courses as long as you’ve knocked out the prerequisite classes, while others have stricter rules—like passing a placement test first. It all depends on your school’s policy.
If you’re thinking about enrolling in AP classes over the summer, here’s how to make it happen:
- Explore your options. Check out the list of available AP courses and dig into their descriptions. If you’re considering more than one, look for courses that pair well together—it could make your workload more manageable.
- See what’s offered at your school. Not every school has every AP course, so confirm what’s available locally. If your school doesn’t offer the course you want, don’t worry! Many AP classes are available online.
- Talk to a teacher or counselor. Your teacher or counselor is your go-to for navigating the enrollment process. They can help you figure out the steps and set you up for success. Pro tip: download and complete the AP conversation starter form beforehand to make the most of your meeting.
With a bit of planning, you’ll be on your way to mastering those AP courses in no time!
Can you take AP classes online?
You can definitely take AP classes online, even over the summer, though not all schools offer them. If your school doesn’t provide the AP courses you’re interested in, there are plenty of free or affordable resources that can help you study on your own. Check out these great options:
- Khan Academy. Free, easy to use, and packed with resources for AP Calculus, AP Biology, and more. Think video lessons, practice questions, and study guides—all without spending a dime.
- College Board AP Classroom. The official source for AP prep. Access practice questions, progress checks, and personalized feedback to keep you on track.
- Albert.io. While some features cost money, their free AP practice questions and explanations are gold for brushing up on tough topics.
- OpenStax. Free, high-quality textbooks for subjects like AP Physics and AP Biology. No fluff, just the good stuff.
- HippoCampus. Multimedia tutorials and videos for AP courses like U.S. History and Environmental Science. Bonus: It’s completely free.
These resources let you study on your terms, whether you’re a morning person or someone who thrives at 2 a.m. (no judgment).
Why Take AP Classes over the Summer?
Summer AP classes are like hitting the fast-forward button on your academic career. They free up your regular school year schedule, giving you time to focus on other classes, extracurriculars, or binge-watching historical documentaries (for educational purposes, of course). If you’ve been eyeing a jam-packed junior year with five APs, consider offloading one to summer. Your sanity will thank you.
AP classes can boost your GPA, as many high schools offer weighted grades for AP courses. This means your GPA could exceed the standard 4.0, with the potential to reach up to 5.0, depending on how your school calculates it.
And let’s be real—every point counts when you’re applying to competitive colleges where a 0.01 GPA difference could decide your fate. Imagine being on the waitlist and knowing one summer AP class might’ve tipped the scales in your favor. Now, that’s motivation.
AP courses are designed to offer you introductory college-level classes while you’re still in high school. You can earn college credit by scoring well on the AP exam—usually a 3 or higher. Many colleges and universities accept AP scores, allowing you to skip certain courses, fulfill requirements, or even graduate early. This saves you time and money and gives you a head start on your college education.
The workload of summer AP classes
Let’s not sugarcoat it: summer AP classes are no walk in the park. These aren’t your “let’s color inside the lines” kind of summer courses. You’re looking at 6-10 weeks of intense study—daily readings, essays, quizzes, and maybe a few tears. Add in a part-time job, family obligations, or the temptation of sunny weather, and things can get tricky.
Take AP Biology, for instance. You’ll be diving into cellular respiration and genetics at warp speed, 4-6 hours a day, wrestling with lab reports and dense chapters. Not your idea of a summer vacation? Consider a lighter option like AP Environmental Science. It’s still a solid GPA booster but with less risk of pulling your hair out.
The secret to surviving? A game plan. Break down your workload, set daily goals, and use supplemental resources like video tutorials. And don’t be shy about joining online forums or study groups—misery loves company, and you might even make some friends.
Are summer AP classes worth it?
Summer AP classes aren’t for everyone. They’re like running a marathon when everyone else is lounging by the pool.
But for driven students with clear goals, they can be a game-changer. Picture this: you take AP U.S. Government over the summer, freeing up senior year for AP Physics C. Or you self-study for AP Psychology, earning college credit without the extra transcript burden.
Just keep in mind that summer AP classes demand a serious time investment. Be real with yourself—can you handle the heat?
Unique AP Classes You Can Take
There are nearly 40 AP courses to choose from, and if you’re looking to spice up your high school schedule, AP classes are a great way to dive into unique subjects and show off your academic range. Beyond the basics, these courses let you explore everything from politics to programming, preparing you for college and beyond.
- AP Environmental Science. Dive into environmental challenges, from pollution to sustainability. This hands-on course teaches you how to analyze and solve real-world problems, making it perfect for budding ecologists and problem-solvers.
- AP Art History. Travel through time as you explore art’s evolution across cultures. You’ll learn to interpret and critique artworks, gaining a new appreciation for creative expression and history.
- AP Human Geography. Discover how humans shape and are shaped by the world. From urbanization to migration, this course is ideal for those intrigued by global issues and social sciences.
- AP Computer Science. Unleash your inner techie with this intro to programming and problem-solving. It’s all about using code to tackle real-world challenges and understanding the digital world.
- AP Seminar. Part of the AP Capstone program, this course sharpens research and presentation skills. You’ll explore global issues, craft arguments, and prepare for college-level collaboration.
- AP Comparative Government and Politics. Compare political systems across six countries and see how different governments address global challenges. Great for future political scientists and international relations enthusiasts.
- AP Music Theory. For music lovers, this course dives into melody, rhythm, and harmony. You’ll analyze compositions and better understand musical expression across genres.
- AP Macroeconomics. Learn how entire economies function, from inflation to fiscal policies. It’s an essential course for understanding global economic trends and systems.
- AP Latin. Explore the classics by translating the works of Vergil and Caesar. This course connects you with ancient Roman culture while sharpening your analytical and linguistic skills.
- AP 3-D Art and Design. Get creative with sculpture, ceramics, and metalwork. This hands-on course focuses on expressing ideas through three-dimensional design, perfect for aspiring artists.
These AP classes let you explore diverse interests while building skills that stand out on college applications. Which one excites you the most?
Tips for Showcasing AP Coursework in College Applications
Showcase your AP coursework on college applications by listing it on your resume with scores of 4 or 5, mentioning it in essays to highlight how it shaped your interests, and tying it to extracurriculars in the activities section.
In interviews, discuss how AP classes prepared you for college and fueled your curiosity to stand out as a dedicated and ready applicant.
In particular, here’s how to make your AP coursework stand out:
1. Highlight relevant AP classes.
Showcase AP courses that align closely with your future major or career aspirations. For example, if you’re planning to go into medicine, emphasizing AP Biology and AP Chemistry highlights your dedication to the sciences.
Similarly, if computer science is your passion, mentioning AP Computer Science A can signal to admissions officers that you’ve already dipped your toes into coding.
2. Discuss challenges overcome.
Share personal anecdotes about how you managed your AP workload alongside other commitments. For instance, tackling AP Calculus during the summer while working part-time shows not just academic aptitude but also resilience and time-management skills. Colleges love to see students thrive under pressure.
3. Tie coursework to extracurriculars.
Connect your AP classes to your activities outside the classroom. Did you take AP U.S. Government? Mention how it complemented your role in student council or Model UN. This link shows a well-rounded profile and how you apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.
4. Share a standout project.
Highlight a specific project or assignment that left an impression. Maybe your AP Environmental Science class inspired you to create a community recycling program, or an AP English essay you wrote won a school-wide award. Unique accomplishments like these can set your application apart.
4. Demonstrate growth.
Reflect on how an AP course challenged and changed you. For example, AP Literature might have sparked your love for classic novels, or AP Environmental Science deepened your commitment to sustainability. Show admissions officers that you grew as a student and person through your coursework.
5. Connect with college goals.
Explain how AP classes prepared you for college-level rigor. Admissions officers want to know you can handle their coursework. For example, share how AP Chemistry’s lab requirements mirrored what you expect from a college science program and gave you a head start.
6. Highlight exam scores strategically.
If you earned a 4 or 5 on an AP exam, don’t be shy about including it in your application. Strong scores reinforce your academic ability and show that you excelled in challenging, college-level coursework. Pair these scores with anecdotes about your learning process for maximum impact.
How Many APs Should You Take for Ivy League?
Ah, the million-dollar question: “How many APs should I take to get into the Ivy League?” The answer is nuanced—it depends on your goals, strengths, and school context.
However, here’s the general advice: most Ivy League hopefuls take between 8 and 12 AP courses throughout high school. That number might sound intimidating, but remember, it’s about the quality of your work, not just the quantity of AP classes on your transcript.
Admissions officers at elite schools like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton aren’t just looking for students who load up on every available AP course—they’re looking for students who excel in areas they’re passionate about.
Keep in mind that not all schools offer the same number of AP classes, and colleges know this. If your school only offers five APs, admissions officers won’t expect you to have taken 12. They care about how you’ve challenged yourself within the opportunities available to you.
If your school has a limited AP program, consider supplementing with dual-enrollment courses at a local college, online classes, or independent study to demonstrate your initiative and intellectual curiosity. After all, Ivy League schools want well-rounded students who can handle a challenging course load while still engaging in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service.
Taking too many APs at the expense of your mental health or outside interests can actually hurt your application. Instead, aim for a balanced approach. Choose APs that align with your academic interests, excel in them, and then use your remaining time to build a strong resume of activities that highlight who you are outside the classroom.
If you’re still unsure, ask yourself, “What story do I want my transcript to tell?” If you want to show that you’re a budding scientist, your course selection should reflect that. If you dream of being a journalist, prioritize AP English and AP Government. Depth, focus, and passion will always stand out more than simply trying to tick every AP box.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you take AP classes online during the summer?
Absolutely! Online platforms like Khan Academy, College Board AP Classroom, and Albert.io offer excellent resources for summer AP courses. These platforms often provide flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace and tackle subjects that interest you—even if your school doesn’t offer summer AP classes.
2. Do colleges care if you take AP classes during the summer?
Yes, colleges do value summer AP classes, especially if they align with your intended major or demonstrate your commitment to challenging yourself academically. Highlighting summer AP coursework on your application can show initiative, time management, and a passion for learning—qualities Ivy League schools love.
3. Are summer AP classes harder than regular AP classes?
Summer AP classes often condense a full-year course into 6-10 weeks, making them more intense. You’ll cover material quickly and spend hours on daily readings, assignments, and quizzes. However, they are manageable with strong time-management skills and access to supplemental resources.
4. What are the benefits of taking AP classes over the summer?
Summer AP classes free up your regular school year for other courses, extracurricular activities, or leadership roles. They can also boost your GPA, help you stand out on college applications, and give you a head start on earning college credits.
5. Can you take an AP Exam without taking the class?
Yes, you can take an AP exam without taking the class. The College Board doesn’t require course attendance, so self-studying is an option. Many students use resources like Khan Academy and College Board AP Classroom. Just note that you’ll need 100-150 hours of prep to aim for a 4 or 5.
Takeaways
- Summer AP classes are intense but rewarding. They help you free up your school year, boost your GPA, and showcase academic initiative to colleges.
- Not all schools offer summer AP classes, but online options abound. Platforms like Khan Academy and College Board AP Classroom make it easy to learn on your own terms.
- Self-studying for AP exams is a strong alternative if summer classes aren’t available. You can still earn college credit and stand out on applications with discipline and the right resources.
- Balance is key when considering summer AP courses. Choose subjects you’re passionate about and ensure they fit your academic goals without compromising your well-being.
- Need some help with self-studying for AP classes over the summer? Consult an admissions expert to guide you.
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