In order to save students potentially thousands of dollars in college, Principal Brad Burns is encouraging students to enroll in Advanced Placement [AP] courses.

AP courses give students the opportunity to gain college credit, while also preparing students for challenges of college work. If a student receives a score 3, 4,or 5 on an AP test, college credit is earned, eliminating the future costs of enrolling for the class in college.

“I want everyone to take the test because, what if you do score high enough? Then you just saved your family about $2,000,” Burns said.

The credit earned by passing the test eliminates a number of expenses, Burns said.

“When you get ready to go to college you’re going to have to pay the books, and the fees, and the tuition,” Burns said. “There are a lot of things you’re going to have to pay. We’re giving you the book and the course for free. All you have to do is take the [AP] test.”

According to a 2009 survey, the cost of taking three credit hours for a macreoecomomics, government, or U.S. history course can range from $135 at North Central Texas College to $900 at Texas Tech to $1,970 at the University of Texas, not including the books and other materials.

“So I’m telling the parents, ‘Look how much money you have saved if your student is an AP student, or if they pass the AP test,’” Burns said. “You can save thousands of dollars by doing this on a very small investment. “

Because of the college-level challenges AP courses provide, Burns said students enrolled in these courses are typically shown to be more prepared for college.

“If they’re not successful on [the AP exam] and don’t have a high enough score, at least they are going to have an advantage when they take that course in college to make an A or a B,” Burns said. “It’s almost guaranteed.”

Senior Susan Christian has received a full-ride scholarship to University of Texas at Dallas and has already gained college credit through taking AP classes and passing the AP tests.

“Not only do I learn more and gain lots of valuable college credit, I’ve saved so much money through AP courses, it’s not even funny,” Christian said. “But I also build a strong work ethic that will carry long into college and beyond.”

Christian has taken 13 AP classes or self studies since her sophomore year.

“Any college bound student should be taking AP classes,” Christian said. “They’re generally small, innovative, and give everyone the opportunity to save lots of money down the road.”