Advanced Placement
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is AP?
- The Advanced Placement Program (AP) is a collaborative effort between motivated students, dedicated teachers, and committed high schools, colleges, and universities. Since its inception in 1955, the program has allowed millions of students to take college-level courses and exams and to earn college credit or placement while still in high school.
- AP courses are available in a wide variety of subject areas. Each course is developed by a committee of college faculty and AP teachers and covers the breadth of information, skills, and assignments found in the corresponding college course.
- Each AP course has a corresponding exam that participating schools worldwide administer. Based on their performance on the AP Exam, students have the opportunity to earn credit or placement at most of the nation’s colleges and universities.
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What is Honors?
Honors is a set of content-specific strategies designed to:
- build rigorous curricula
- promote access to AP for all students
- introduce skills, concepts, and assessment methods to prepare students for success in the AP Program
- strengthen curriculum and increase the academic challenge for all students
- provide an inclusive program for encouraging more students to access higher learning
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Why should I take an AP course?
- Study subjects in greater depth and detail
- Assume the responsibility of reasoning, analyzing, and understanding for yourself
- Earn college credit
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How do I enroll in the AP Program?
- Once you’ve decided to take the AP challenge, talk to the AP teacher of the desired course to discuss the opportunity.
- Register with your counselor during the spring enrollment.
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How will taking AP courses affect my college career?
- Start taking college-level work while in high school
- Develop writing skills
- Hone problem-solving skills
- Improve study habits
- Develop important time management skills necessary to be successful in college
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How will taking AP courses impress my College Admissions Officer?
- Demonstrate the maturity and readiness necessary for college
- Show the desire to accept demanding challenges
- Many colleges are more concerned with the courses taken rather than the GPA
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If I take an AP course do I have to take the exam?
No, but students are strongly encouraged to take the exam. If you choose not to, you will be expected to take a summative assessment at the end of the semester.
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How much will I pay for each test?
Each student enrolled in an AP class will pay a fee of $97 per test taken. The free/reduced fee is $30 per test taken.
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Where will I take the test?
Each test will be given at the student's home campus.
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When will I take the tests?
The tests are given during the first two weeks of May. Check the College Board AP calendar for exact dates and times.
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What does my AP score actually mean?
The process and standards for setting AP grades remain the same so that the merit of AP grades is consistent over time. Each exam is scored on the following five-point scale:
5 – Extremely well qualified
4 – well qualified
3 – qualified
2 – possibly qualified
1 – no recommendation
Most individual colleges and universities accept grades of 3 or above, but each institution determines which AP exam grades to accept for credit and/or advanced placement in each subject area.- Some award “credit” for qualifying AP Exam grades that count toward your college degree.
- Others award “advanced placement” so you can skip introductory courses, enter higher-level classes, and/or fulfill general education requirements.
- Many colleges and universities offer both credit and placement.
Check the College Board website for the policies regarding your specific college. -
Who receives my AP Exam results?
AP Grade Reports are sent in July, by the College Board, to each student’s home, high school and any college(s) designated by the student. At the time of the exam, students can indicate if they would like a college to receive their grade. After the exam, students can write to the AP Program and request that the grade be sent to other colleges as well.