1. Why Advanced Placement?
Jenn Fieldman, Counselor
Kirsten Mulligan, Pre-AP English, Pre-AP Quest English
Michael Heath, Science Dpt. Chair

2. Verification Forms Have Been Mailed!

3. Student Options:
Students have the option of choosing on-level, pre-AP, AP and Dual-Credit courses throughout their high school career.
It is important to make choices based on the student’s strengths, interests and goals.

4. Pre-AP & AP Classes are Open to Everyone
To be successful, you need….
Commitment
Curiosity
Determination
Good Work Ethic
Time Management

5. Students Have Many Choices
VHS offers multiple pre-AP and AP courses in Science, Social Studies, Math, Languages, English & the Arts
It’s important to remember that when moving up to a high school pre-AP or AP class there will be a period of transition --getting used to the additional work load and expectations of the course

6. Advantages of Pre-AP Courses
More rigorous course work
Helps to prepare the student for future AP classes
GPA bump (see Course Catalog, p. 12 for more information)
Opportunity for personal challenge & growth
UIL waivers (one per semester)
Opportunity for college credit (offset the cost of college) –

7. Advantages of AP Courses
College curriculum
Research indicates that students who have participated in AP have more success in college & higher graduation rates
GPA bump (see Course Catalog, p. 12 for more information)
Opportunity for personal challenge & growth
AP teachers have specialized training
UIL waivers
Opportunity for college credit (offset the cost of college) –

8. Advanced Placement Exams
AP exams are taken the first two weeks of May
test
Registration occurs in late January/February
Financial assistance available
Passing scores offer college credit

9. VHS AP Performance Number of Students taking AP tests
Advanced Placement
2010
2011
2012
2013
Number of Students taking AP tests 83
214
401
576
Number of AP tests taken 84
320
774
1,139
Qualifying scores of , 4 & 5 38
164
308
TBD

10. 2012 AP Exams given in LISD 30 different subjects:
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
Music Theory
Physics B
Physics C – Mechanics
Physics C – E & M
Psychology
Spanish Language
Spanish Literature
Statistics
Studio Art – Drawing
Studio Art – 2D
Studio Art – 3D
US History
World History
Art History
Biology
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Chemistry
Chinese
Computer Science A
English Language
English Literature
Environmental Science
European History
French Language
German Language
Government & Politics – US
Latin - Vergil
*Two subject in red we gave AP Exams without direct teaching those courses
*we have been consistent in the number of subject exams given over the years

11. College Admissions What are universities looking for
College Admissions What are universities looking for? (National Forum – College Board, October 2012)
Participation in Advanced coursework (IB, AP, Pre-AP, dual enrollment, etc.)
Grades in advanced coursework
School profile
Grades in all classes
Demonstrated student interests in a few areas (hobbies & activities)

12. College Admissions What are universities looking for
College Admissions What are universities looking for? (National Forum – College Board, October 2012)
Genuine interest in that university
Importance of class rank has declined in the last two decades
1993 – 42% of universities rated it as highly important
2012 – 22% of universities rated it as highly important
Counselor and teacher recommendations
Student essay
Student who is able to overcome personal and academic difficulties

13. Summer Assignments
Information on summer assignments is located on LISD’s webpage under Quick Links: Summer Information

14. Ms. Mulligan Summer Reading is assignments
Difference between On-level and Pre-AP assignments
The challenge
The journey to the AP Test…

15. Questions?