Every year, millions of students around the world enroll in AP courses in 38 different subjects, embarking on an AP journey that can help open doors as they prepare for college.

While there are many benefits to taking AP Exams, below are three reasons to keep in mind as you make your decision this fall to register for exams.

All Scores Have Benefits

Completing an AP course and exam advances you academically. Taking an AP Exam will help you develop valuable skills useful for all your classes—skills such as time management, critical thinking, scholarly writing, and independent study. This will help make your transition from being a high school student to a college student, easier.

Whatever your score, taking an AP Exam can help you stay on track for college.

• The majority of students who score a 1 or 2 on their first AP Exam are likely to improve their score on a future exam!
• Students who achieve an exam score of 2 do significantly better in introductory college classes.
• Students who achieve exam scores of 1 or 2 are still more likely to attend college and graduate on time (than academically similar students who do not take AP).

Stand Out to College Admissions Officers

Most colleges and universities use AP as a factor in evaluating candidates for admission. This gives you an advantage when you are applying to colleges and trying to stand out from the crowd. By taking an AP Exam, you are showing admissions officers you’re motivated to succeed and can stick with a commitment.

85% of colleges and universities report a student’s AP experience favorably impacts admission decisions.

Save Time and Money

The majority of AP students earn college credit in high school. If you score a three or higher on an AP Exam, you can earn college credit and/or placement. Check out the credit policies at schools you are interested in to learn more about the types of credit they grant for your courses.

Earning college credit with AP can give you the flexibility to change majors, pursue a second degree, study abroad, or transfer colleges. Earning advanced placement can let you skip introductory courses in college, freeing up more time in your schedule for courses you’re interested in or giving you a chance to graduate early.