Advanced Placement classes have exploded in popularity and prominence over the last few decades. The College Board, which designs and administers AP classes, has made a concerted effort to expand the program to high schools across the country, saying it offers students an opportunity to experience college-level coursework. As of 2025, nearly 80% of public high school students attended a school that offers at least five AP classes, according to the College Board.
The College Board, a nonprofit, launched the AP program in the 1950s, with the stated goal of challenging students with advanced topics and preparing them for college. Since then, the courses have become a near necessity for competitive college applications, in part because of the College Board’s own role in expanding AP’s reach and influence.
High school grades in college prep courses have become a top factor in admissions decisions, topping other criteria including essays, overall high school grade point average, and letters of recommendation, according to a 2023 survey of college admissions counselors. Taking high school AP courses, and passing the end-of-year exams, can also potentially accrue transferable college credits, shorten the amount of time students spend in college, and save families money…