Are AP Courses Risky?

There are so many questions in the minds of parents and students about AP courses! Teachers and counselors say they look good on a transcript--but could those tougher AP courses put your terrific grade point average at risk? Could you be over-extending yourself by signing up for AP courses? What if you get burnout?

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. If you really have your heart set on getting accepted into a very competitive college, then it is probably a good idea to push yourself, even if you are putting a perfect GPA at risk. Just know what you're signing up for! You must commit to extra long homework sessions and a little less social time.

Besides, officials at competitive colleges know how to analyze a transcript, and they will recognize students who take on a rigorous schedule. They know that some high schools are very demanding and others are not.

Read more about AP courses and decide for yourself if you might be at risk for over-extending yourself.