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Advanced Placement ® Program (AP®)
The Advanced Placement Program (AP) offers high school students the opportunity to engage in college-level coursework taught by College Board-trained AP teachers, all within the familiar setting of their high school campus. By taking AP courses and completing national exams, students can earn college credit or advanced placement at thousands of colleges and universities across the United States and in over 30 countries. For more details about the Advanced Placement programs, please visit www.collegeboard.org.
Benefits of AP Courses:
Participating in AP courses equips students with invaluable skills and study habits crucial for success in college. Through rigorous coursework, students develop research, analytical, and writing skills, along with effective test-taking strategies. Research shows that students who enroll in AP classes tend to achieve higher scores on standardized tests like the SAT/ACT and are more likely to graduate from college. Colleges and universities recognize the rigor of AP courses, giving applicants with AP experience a competitive edge during the admissions process. Furthermore, AP performance may lead to college credit or placement in higher-level courses, reflecting a student's academic readiness for college-level work.
Course Difficulty:
AP courses typically demand more from students compared to regular high school courses. Students can expect increased reading and writing assignments, critical analysis, problem-solving, and a faster pace of learning. The workload for AP courses often involves more homework than other high school classes, reflecting the program's emphasis on academic rigor.
AP Exams Overview:
Each May, students take AP exams, which consist of a three-hour assessment comprising multiple-choice and free-response questions that assess various skills, including essay writing, problem-solving, and critical thinking. All students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the corresponding AP exams. Following the exams, students have the option to send their scores to colleges or universities of their choice. The exams are graded by the Educational Testing Service to ensure consistency and accuracy. Most colleges and universities across the nation and globally recognize AP exam scores, with many granting college credit or advanced standing for scores of 3 or higher on a 1 to 5 scale.
Getting Involved in the AP Program:
To participate in the AP Program, students should collaborate with their counselors during middle and high school (9th and 10th grades) to plan their academic trajectory and determine which Honors and AP courses align with their interests and strengths.
For further inquiries, please reach out to your school's AP Coordinator or contact the District Gifted & Advanced Learning Program Specialist, Jennifer Rine, at (912) 395-1112. We're here to support your academic journey and provide guidance on your path to success.