When you send your child to college, you want the assurance they adequately prepared for the challenge of university-level courses. The faculty at Saint Joseph High School, a private school in Metuchen, NJ, say taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses is an excellent way to make sure a student is ready to succeed in college.

Below, they explain three reasons AP classes are key for college preparation:

• Prepare for College Workload: AP classes equip students with the tools they need to excel. They focus on writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving: three skills university professors will expect their students to have. Additionally, they dive deeper into the subject matter than ordinary high school classes, providing students with a broader repository of knowledge than they would otherwise have.
• Improve College Admissions Chances: Universities want to make sure they only admit students who are prepared for a collegiate course load, which gives AP students an advantage. Since these courses are challenging and standardized across both public and private schools, doing well in them signals to admissions officers students are ready for higher education. According to the College Board, 85% of selective academic institutions say AP courses factor positively into a student’s admission decision.
• Save Time & Money: Taking AP classes in high school will save most students time and money later. Many colleges grant course credit to students who score well on AP exams, saving them tuition money and putting them in a position to graduate from college early. Additionally, AP students have an advantage when applying for scholarships, because 31% of colleges and universities say they consider AP courses when making scholarship decisions.

If your family is looking for a private school that will prepare your child to excel in college, contact Saint Joseph High School. This Catholic high school has served Middlesex, Union, Hunterdon, Somerset, and Monmouth County and is one of the area’s top-rated high schools. Call (732) 549-7600 to schedule a tour, or visit their website to learn more about the school.