Advanced Placement class participation has grown considerably as nearly double the amount of public high school students enroll in the college-level courses in the past 10 years. While more students than ever are taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses, many are still failing the tests, according to the College Board, which administers the AP program.

University-bound students take the more difficult AP classes in high school to boost their grade-point averages and give them an edge over non-AP students in competing for college openings. The classes are rigorous and graded in a uniform way that allows colleges to compare results fairly.

The AP exams are offered each May. Those students that pass a test may receive college credit for that class, depending on the university they attend. Receiving credits for AP exams enables to earn college degrees faster and save significant amounts of money.