Do College Prep Courses Really Matter?

When it comes to preparing for university, both parents and students alike wonder which courses are going to provide the best opportunity for their academic success.

Not all college prep courses are created equal, and understanding the real benefits of different options can make a large difference in a student’s readiness and application strength.

What Are College Prep Courses?

When families think of “college prep,” they often picture specially designed courses that will give students an advantage in college admissions. However, college prep courses are basically standard high school classes tailored to prepare students for college.

In many US schools, these are labeled as “college prep” to signal that they cover the foundational knowledge expected by colleges but don’t necessarily offer added academic rigor.

Advanced Placement (AP) courses, on the other hand, go a step further by providing a college-level curriculum in high school, allowing students to engage with more challenging material and even earn college credits if they perform well on AP exams.

Are College Prep Courses Really Necessary?

The short answer is, not necessarily.

While college prep classes can be helpful, they’re often no different in structure or content from regular high school courses.

What is actually going to increase the competitiveness of a student’s college application, and college readiness, are courses that go beyond the basic material to build advanced analytical skills and knowledge.

That’s where AP courses come in.

___________________

"CGA’s US Diploma courses help students develop critical thinking and analytical skills. AP courses challenge students with a college-level curriculum that extends beyond standard high school classes.

By offering academic rigor and the potential for college credit, AP courses empower students to demonstrate their readiness for higher education and make them more competitive in college admissions."

- Brittanie Bates, CGA’s Principal US Diploma Pathway

How CGA Courses Offer More Than “College Prep”

At CGA, our AP courses provide all the college-level rigor associated with college prep, and more.

Here’s what makes our approach distinct:

University-Recognized

AP courses are widely accepted by US colleges and universities as evidence of a student’s ability to handle challenging, college-level work.

CGA students consistently score above global averages on AP exams, with over 86% achieving a score of 3 or higher, which qualifies them for college credit at many institutions.

This high level of achievement not only boosts a student’s transcript but also signals to colleges that they’re prepared for the demands of higher education.

Build Critical Skills for College

AP courses help students develop skills that go above content knowledge. Students gain the ability to critically analyze texts, interpret data, conduct research, and synthesize complex ideas.

For instance, CGA’s AP English, Biology, and Calculus courses don’t just cover the basics, they teach students how to evaluate, hypothesize, and draw conclusions in ways that mirror university expectations.

See our complete guide to scoring 5 on the AP Exams.

Flexibility and Specialization for a Stronger Application

Students that learn online with CGA can personalize their AP course selection to align with their interests and future goals.

This approach allows students to focus on areas that truly matter to them, whether that’s Computer Science for aspiring engineers or Psychology for future health professionals.

Specialization in relevant subjects makes a student’s application more compelling, showing colleges that they’ve already explored their field of interest in depth.

How AP Courses Make Students More Competitive in College Admissions

Taking AP courses, and doing well, demonstrates to college admissions officers that a student is ready to handle the workload of a university.

On top of that, AP courses can increase a student’s GPA, as many high schools weigh these courses more heavily, resulting in a higher weighted GPA.

Additionally, students who score well on AP exams may earn college credits, allowing them to skip introductory courses in college, potentially save on tuition, and even graduate early.

This advantage can be especially appealing to competitive colleges looking for students who can already work at a high academic level.

___________________

"AP Courses provide students with an opportunity to advance their education in high school.

They offer early exposure to college-level material and help students understand the academic expectations they will face in college."

- Stephanie Todaro, CGA’s US Academic Dean

Other Ways to Strengthen College Competitiveness

While AP courses are a fantastic way to showcase college readiness, students can further enhance their applications with experiences that highlight both academic and personal strengths.

• Engage in Extracurriculars: Colleges look for students who contribute to their communities and show initiative.

  CGA students can participate in unique extracurriculars, like global Model UN or coding clubs, and often take on leadership roles that stand out on applications.

• Undertake Research Projects: For students passionate about a particular subject, completing a research project or an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in conjunction with AP courses can showcase a commitment to learning outside of the classroom.

  Learn more about EPQ here.

• Internships: Internships, especially those in fields relevant to the student’s intended major, show colleges that the student has practical experience.

  CGA even partners with organizations, giving students opportunities to gain work experience that can make a real difference in their college applications.

Should You Be Taking College Prep Courses?

College prep courses may sound impressive, but they’re often just standard high school classes with a different label.

On the other hand, AP courses offer true academic rigor and globally recognized credibility that aim to significantly demonstrate a student’s college readiness and competitiveness.

AP courses online at CGA provide this rigor along with flexibility and a pathway to college credits, helping students stand out in college applications and succeed in their future studies.

If you're interested to learn more about how CGA can help you or your child reach their academic goals, get in contact with our Admissions Advisors today for personalised support.