AP Classes Viewed by Out-of-State Colleges?

Out-of-state colleges evaluate AP classes as strong indicators of academic rigor, regardless of where you took them. The College Board's standardized AP curriculum means that an AP Biology course in Maine carries the same weight as one in California, making these classes particularly valuable for out-of-state applications to schools like UCLA and Texas A&M.

When reviewing your application, out-of-state colleges first look at whether you took the most challenging courses available at your high school. They understand that not all high schools offer the same number or variety of AP classes, so they assess your course load within the context of what's available to you. This means if your school offers 6 AP classes and you've taken 4, you'll be viewed more favorably than someone who took 4 AP classes at a school offering 15.

Your AP exam scores play a crucial role in out-of-state applications. Strong scores (4s and 5s) demonstrate your ability to master college-level material and succeed in a new academic environment. Many out-of-state universities, including UCLA and Texas A&M, also use AP scores for course placement and credit, potentially saving you time and money on basic requirements regardless of which state you're from.

The number of AP classes you take matters less than maintaining a strong GPA while challenging yourself appropriately. Most selective out-of-state universities prefer to see you earn a B in an AP class rather than an A in a regular course, as this shows your willingness to push yourself academically. For highly selective institutions like UCLA, competitive applicants typically take 7-12 AP courses throughout high school, while other strong public universities like Texas A&M generally look for students with 4-8 AP classes.