Are you ready to take on college-level work while in high school, eager to get on the fast track to earning college credits, and willing to challenge yourself academically and personally? If the answer is yes, then talk to your guidance counselor or AP coordinator at your school about taking AP classes. The abbreviation AP stands for Advanced Placement — a series of subject examinations administered by The College Board in cooperation with high schools and colleges across the country. Although the exams are open to all students, most are high school juniors and seniors who are enrolled in special AP classes in their school. These classes are similar to college- or university-level survey courses in terms of depth of coverage and the reading required. Those who score well on the AP exam can receive advanced standing, credit, or both from the college they plan to attend.