The College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) program is considered by many to be the gold standard for a top-notch high school education, and it is often heralded as a powerful tool for achieving educational equity, but is it? This white paper written by Challenge Success in 2013, based on extensive review of the literature, will consider:
- Does taking AP classes make students more likely to succeed in college?
- Does taking AP classes boost a student’s chances of college admission?
- Does taking AP classes make college more affordable?
- Does the AP program help to narrow achievement gaps?
- Does the AP program enrich students’ high school experiences?
- Are schools with an AP program better than those without?
We conclude by offering a series of recommendations for educators and students aimed at making the Advanced Placement program a net positive.