One of the primary goals of AP courses is to provide students with the opportunity to challenge themselves academically and to prepare for college-level coursework. AP courses are typically more rigorous and in-depth than standard high school courses, and they culminate in AP exams that are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score. Many colleges and universities in the United States and other countries offer college credit or advanced placement to students who perform well on AP exams.
Taking AP courses can enhance a student's academic transcript and demonstrate their readiness for college-level studies. Students often choose to take AP courses in subjects they are passionate about or in areas relevant to their intended college majors.