AIKEN --- Taking two Advanced Placement exams on one day kept South Aiken High School senior Shannon Looney near a pencil and away from her friends Thursday.

First, it was English Language, then French Literature -- all just for the fun of learning. She didn't take the classes this year.

By the time she graduates next month, Ms. Looney will have taken 10 AP exams.

Advanced classes have become typical for high school students who want to get an edge on college applications. But students are raising the ante to get into college by taking exams for classes that aren't even offered at their school.

After seeing his brother start college with half his freshman year credits already completed, Aiken High senior Patrick Philipp wanted to fit in as many courses as possible.

Calling the exams a "glorified SAT," Mr. Philipp took an AP Government and AP English test at the prompting of teachers and counselors and passed both without taking an AP course.

Counselors don't always recommend going it alone, though, Aiken High counselor Linda Strojan said.

"It requires a great deal of discipline on their part, and poor scores are part of our report," she said. "But the kids that are usually ready for that exam are encouraged to take the test by teachers."

Sometimes, she said, the results are used to determine whether to offer a course at the AP level.

Passing the exams also gives students room to stray from traditional college freshman schedules and start work on a major or minor, Mrs. Strojan said.

Ms. Looney took classes mostly because she was interested in the subject matter, but she said she was looking forward to taking different kinds of college courses.

AP EXAMS BY STATE

2007 COUNTY NUMBERS

Source: Georgia Department of Education, South Carolina Department of Education, College Board