APs or other high school classes to get ahead in college?

I want to get a jump-start on my college education while I'm still in high school. What college classes would you guys recommend taking as a high school student (either as APs or concurrent enrollment) that are proved to be most helpful in college?

This can very much depend on what field of study you're interested in pursuing in college, but there are some general recommendations that could be beneficial to almost anyone.

Firstly, taking AP English Language and Composition or AP English Literature can be really useful as many colleges require students to take English classes, regardless of their major. Getting those credits ahead of schedule can open up your schedule for more major-specific classes sooner.

Next, consider AP Foreign Language courses. Many universities have foreign language requirements and verifying your proficiency through an AP exam could mean you can skip straight to upper-level language courses or even bypass the requirement altogether.

Mathematics is another area where high school students can get a step ahead. An AP Calculus or AP Statistics course can satisfy some general education requirements, especially if you're thinking about a major in the STEM fields.

Finally, if you're interested in a science-related field, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, and AP Physics are all good options. These courses not only satisfy college credit requirements but give you a robust understanding of the fundamental concepts in these disciplines.

It's also worth keeping in mind that the rigor and challenge of AP classes themselves can be preparation for the type of work you'll encounter in most college courses — so any AP course you're passionate about could potentially be helpful.

And of course, taking concurrent enrollment classes (college courses while in high school) can be a terrific idea. Not only can you earn college credits, but you’re also granted a taste of what college-level coursework is like. Just remember to make sure that the credits from these classes transfer to the colleges you're interested in.

Overall, I recommend speaking with your high school counselor to plan a course load that suits your college plans and personal interests.