Is It Worth It? Why AP Exams Are Worth the Effort
So, you’re thinking about taking AP exams—or maybe you’re still unsure whether it’s worth the effort. We get it—AP exams can feel like a big challenge, but here’s the thing: they could be one of the best decisions you make for your future.
Imagine this: It’s your first day of college. Everyone else is in introductory courses, while you’re diving straight into advanced subjects because you took AP exams and earned college credit. You’re ahead of the game, and that confidence will stay with you. That’s the power of AP exams, and the best part? They’re just around the corner in May, only a few months away.
Let us walk you through why these exams can make a huge difference in your academic journey.
Earn Credit and Skip Ahead
One of the biggest benefits of AP exams is that they can earn you college credit while you’re still in high school. Scoring a 4 or 5 means you could:
Test out of introductory college courses, letting you skip ahead and focus on more advanced material.
Earn college credit units, giving you a head start in your academic career.
Here’s the exciting part: schools like: schools like Columbia, Cornell, Princeton, Yale, and University of Pennsylvania accept your AP scores and give you college credit for high scores (typically 4 or 5). This means you can move ahead in your academic journey and have more time to dive into subjects that interest you.
Take our Ivy Link student Cindy, for example. Cindy was accepted to Princeton University and entered with college credit from her AP exams. She scored 5s on her AP Biology and AP Chemistry exams, which allowed her to bypass introductory science courses. This gave her the opportunity to take advanced-level courses in her first semester, something that wouldn't have been possible without those AP credits. Not only did this save her time, but it also allowed her to explore other academic interests, like sociology, that wouldn't have been available had she been stuck in basic science courses.
Now, we know you’re thinking about Harvard, so here's the deal: Harvard University doesn’t offer AP credit. But don’t worry—while you won’t earn college credit for AP exams at Harvard, they still value the effort you’ve put into challenging yourself. It shows them you’re ready for their rigorous academic environment. So, while Harvard doesn’t grant AP credit, other Ivy League schools give you credit and allow you to advance in your studies.
Make Your Application Unforgettable
We know that getting into college—especially Ivy League schools—can feel like a bit of a lottery. There are so many amazing students applying, and you need a way to stand out.
AP exams are the perfect way to do that.
When you take AP courses and score well on the exams, you’re showing colleges that you’re not just coasting through high school. You’re taking college-level material, challenging yourself, and excelling. Ivy League schools are looking for students who are already prepared for the academic challenges they’ll face. A strong AP score shows that you can handle rigorous coursework and are ready for their intellectual demands. This makes your application stand out and proves you’re prepared for college-level work.
Qualify for Honors Programs
Another perk? AP exams can also qualify you for honors programs at your future college. Honors programs are often more challenging, offering specialized academic support and research opportunities. These programs can put you on track to graduate cum laude, an impressive academic achievement. They also open doors to internships and other opportunities that will help you succeed in college and beyond.
Prepare for the College Grind
Let’s be honest—college will be tough. But if you’ve already taken AP exams, you’ll be more prepared for the challenges ahead. AP courses help you develop critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving—skills you’ll need in college.
What really sets AP exams apart is the essay-writing component. AP exams test your ability to write well-structured, thoughtful essays under time pressure, a skill you’ll use throughout your college career. While challenging, this prepares you for the many essay-based assignments you’ll face in college.
If you're scoring below a 4 on practice exams, don’t wait until the last minute to get help. The sooner you start, the more confident you’ll feel when test day arrives. At Ivy Link, we don’t just teach the material—we help you understand it and apply it in a way that makes sense to you. Our expert tutors, who have excelled on the same exams, work with you one-on-one, tailoring each session to fit your specific needs and curriculum. Whether you’re currently in an AP class or planning to take one next year, we’re here to help you get ahead. Schedule a consultation with us today!
