Dear Editor:

Students at NHS are fortunate to have the opportunity to take AP (Advanced Placement) and CAPP (Cooperative Academic Partnership Program) courses. Both of these courses allow students to earn college credit while still in high school. Additionally, these rigorous courses benefit students in a multitude of ways.

These two programs, however, differ in how the college credit is earned. To receive credit for an AP class, a student must take an AP exam in the spring and score a 3 or higher on a five-point scale. Whereas with CAPP, a student must receive a letter grade of a B or higher in his CAPP class.

More NHS students should take advantage of earning college credit via CAPP and AP classes because it is a great way for students to prepare for college, both academically and financially.

High school students who take college-level courses benefit themselves in numerous ways.  According to U.S. News, participating in classes and exams through AP – and other college equivalency programs – can do more than give bright high schoolers the chance to explore favorite school subjects, work with challenging teachers and stand out on college applications. Some high-achieving secondary students can test out of college credits, even graduating from college early and saving a semester or more of tuition money.

Personally, the college credit I earned via AP tests this spring has already benefited me in many ways. The scores I received on the AP exams I took have helped me stand out in the college admissions process, as well as receive significant scholarships. Most importantly, I will be saving a substantial amount of money on college tuition over the next four years.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the average student loan debt for college students in 2015 is $35,000. Each year, more and more students need to take out loans as the cost of postsecondary education continues to increase. Thus, it is wise for NHS students to save money by taking CAPP and AP courses. By doing well enough in a CAPP class or on an AP exam, a student can place out of certain college courses. According to The College Board, testing out of these courses can save students a semester’s worth of tuition or more-an equivalence of thousands of dollars. The cost of taking an AP exam ($90) or CAPP course ($90 per credit — figures according to the NHS guidance department) is minor in comparison to the money that can be saved.  

Sounds like a great way to get a head start on college before even leaving NHS, right? NHS students who take AP and CAPP courses benefit themselves in more ways than one, and more students should take advantage of this opportunity.

Sincerely,

Megan Janssen, senior