What is the difference between AP classes and Advanced Classes in high school?

Answer 1

Gifted classes are for those who either have certain conditions that need to be met or are considered quite smart for their age.

AP, or advanced placement, classes are more or less classes preparing you for an advanced level of work. AP Calculus or AP Biology prepare you for college and have the chance to give you credit for the courses, this way you won't have to take them during your enrollment in college.

Answer 2

Advanced classes are just for your intellectual kicks (and they look good on college transcripts)

AP classes are weighted - that means, you get a B- in an AP class, it actually counts as an A- for your GPA.

You may also be able to use your AP credits to bypass college requirements, for the same reason: AP classes are supposed to be college-level classes.

(though I don't know anyone at my college who's been able to do that)

Ultimately, you should probably just take whatever classes you think you'd enjoy most; something that has potential to challenge you, but you could also realistically do well in ;)