(02/07/06) LONG BRANCH ? Results of a new study show more New Jersey high school students are taking on the challenge of advanced placement (AP) classes.

Many colleges offer credits for AP classes completed at the high school level. Long Branch High School Guidance Director Lawrence Dirienzo says the classes help students get a jumpstart on college, saving many parents money in the process. Students enrolled in AP classes say even if they don?t score well on the final AP tests, colleges look favorably on students taking courses at such a high level.

Dirienzo says enrollment in AP classes has jumped 30 percent in the past two years. Long Branch High School will be offering even more AP classes in the 2006-2007 school year.