What to do if Your School Doesn't Offer AP Classes

If you go to a school that doesn’t offer AP or IB classes. Don’t fret. Colleges are interested in a lot more than AP and IB courses. They consider students who seek rigor in their class selections so that they know you are ready for college courses! Here are some other things you can do:

Dual Enrollment Programs

There are lots of programs that allow high school students to take college level classes at community colleges or universities that count for both high school and college credit. Here’s the icing on the cake, a lot of times these programs are free! So in addition to showing admissions officers that you can thrive in challenging academic environments, you can simultaneously cut down on the cost of college!

Take The AP Exam Anyway

You don’t have to take an AP course to take an AP exam. It will be a lot harder to get a desirable score, but if you’re driven there are lots of free test prep tools and apps you can use.

Take Honors Classes

Most schools have honors courses and even if you’re only choosing from regular classes there are some that are more challenging or academically enriching than others. Don’t shy away from courses like Physics, Calculus, or Marine Biology. Don’t be afraid to take some academically enriching electives either!

Study Hard

Make sure you’re getting good grades in the classes that are available to you.

Write a Great Essay

Okay so you didn’t take AP English, that doesn’t mean you can’t show off your great writing skills. Use your college application essay to highlight your writing skills and show admissions officers a side of you that your transcript doesn’t expose.

Make Your Weekends and After School Count

Colleges like well-rounded students so what you’re doing outside of school can also help you shine. It wouldn’t hurt you to get involved in some extracurricular activities or find an internship, job, or opportunities to volunteer!