AP Planning for Next Year: How AP Can Support Your Teen’s Path (March 12, 2026)

AP Planning for Next Year: How AP Can Support Your Teen’s Path (March 12, 2026)

  • “Strong AP plans are intentional. They aren't built around numbers; they’re built around alignment.” - Claire Lorenz, College Board 

  • “We want them to surge forward in those areas where they really do have a passion… and provide balance across the full scope of their curriculum.” - Carrie Poehlein, Park Tudor School 

  • “Encourage your student to look at courses they’re interested in… You may find a course that you didn’t think you would be good at, but after you took the course, you realized because of that interest you succeeded.” - Chandra Webb, KIPP Antioch Global High School 

  • “Go for the challenge as long as you are interested and ready to commit to trying... what that shows is a willingness to learn.” - Laurie McDonald, Atlantic Coast High School  

Video

AP Planning for Next Year: How AP Can Support Your Teen’s Path

hinking about AP courses for next year? In this BigFuture Live event, parents get clear, practical guidance on how to help their teens plan an AP path that supports their goals without adding unnecessary pressure.

Our expert panel including AP teachers, a college counselor, and College Board leaders breaks down what AP really is, how colleges view AP coursework, and how to decide what’s “too many” (and what’s just right).

In this session, you’ll learn:

What AP courses are and the wide range of subjects available

How to build an intentional AP plan based on interest, readiness, and balance

How colleges evaluate AP courses and exam scores

The difference between Honors, AP, and dual enrollment

What happens if a student doesn’t take (or doesn’t pass) the AP exam

How AP can support college credit, placement, scholarships, and career exploration

You’ll also hear advice from educators and parents on encouraging challenge, maintaining balance, and helping your teen choose courses that truly fit their strengths and goals.

Whether your family is brand new to AP or refining a multi-year plan, this conversation will leave you better informed and more confident about the road ahead.

Audience: Parent

  • 56:07

Link

College Credit

Link

AP Courses

Video

Understanding AP Potential

As a parent, you want to make sure your student is on the best path toward college success. This video explains AP Potential, what it is, how it’s connected to the PSAT/NMSQT, and how it can help you understand whether your student is ready for more rigorous coursework in high school.

  • 3:32