AP Classes are so important to take in High School, for one reason; colleges are looking for them. They are looking for the students who can do the work. They want to make sure you can do the work, since 50 percent of students fail out or leave without a degree. Being able to do the work is key to college level admittance. College level courses tell the colleges, this student can do the work. It also prepares the student to enter college and the work that the college is going to dump on them. This workload cannot be underestimated. A typical freshman in college can have 40 pages or reading, starting a term paper, study their heavy math for the test tomorrow, start a research paper. This is for one night. If you are not prepared mentally and emotionally, you are going to leave. By taking AP level courses in High School, you are preparing yourself for college and also, telling colleges, "I've done this kind of work." That makes you a qualified student.