Q: Since my school has very few AP classes, are "College Now" courses good substitutes?

A: When colleges review students' applications -- and this is especially true with selective colleges -- the transcript is the most important document they examine. They look not only for outstanding grades, but for a strong curriculum. In general, they look for the number of challenging courses rather than for the number of As.

How many of these challenging courses are required? There is no set number. In all cases, students will be evaluated according to the classes available to them. In some high schools, Advanced Placement (AP) courses are the hardest ones available, while in others it might be honors courses. "College Now" courses are another option.

The College Now program is a collaboration between the City University of New York (CUNY) and the New York City Department of Education (DOE). Through the program, college-level courses are taught -- often by CUNY faculty, sometimes by high school teachers appointed by the DOE -- to New York City public high school students.

These classes provide an opportunity for students to test themselves with challenging college-level work, prepare for higher education, and often to earn college credit. Many (not all) College Now credits will transfer to CUNY schools, and may also transfer to other colleges (assessed on a case-by-case basis). In all, it's a great deal for NYC students, and there is no cost involved.

So yes, taking College Now courses will definitely be an asset when you apply to college. If Advanced Placement courses are taught at your high school, you should try to take at least some. But if you cannot, or if there are few or no AP courses offered, College Now is an excellent option!