Dartmouth College recently joined the chorus of universities that refuse to offer college credit for Advanced Placement (AP) courses.  This move leads many families to ask the burning question: are AP classes a waste of time?  I have had several interactions with college officials that have influenced my thoughts on the subject and about high school course selection in general.
When AP classes are being considered, there are two areas to be weighed: the use of AP classes as means to receive college credit and the use of AP classes as a tool for college admission.