Why Take Advanced Placement Courses? Hillcrest High School 2017-2018

What is an A.P. course? The Basics Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) courses are college-prep courses offered in high school. A.P. courses reflect what is taught in first year college courses. At the end of course, students take A.P. Exams—standardized exams that measure how well students have mastered the A.P. course work. Students who do well on A.P. Exams can earn credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college.

What makes A.P. Courses different than regular courses? A.P. courses demand A LOT of students: Classes tend to be fast-paced and cover more material than typical high school classes. More time, inside and outside of the classroom, is required to complete lessons, assignments, and homework. A.P. teachers expect their students to think critically, analyze and synthesize facts and data, weigh competing perspectives, and write clearly and persuasively.  

What you can expect in an A.P. course? Intensive reading of primary/secondary sources and the a textbook approved by the A.P. program. Critical and analytical thinking and speaking. Writing, writing, and more writing.

What are the A.P. Exams like? A.P Exams are administered in May in schools worldwide every year. Exams usually last 3-4 hours. Exam costs in 2017 were $93 per course.

How are A.P. courses beneficial for your child? 1) An A.P. course is a challenge: A.P. courses are interesting and fulfilling and often the MOST interesting classes in H.S. A.P. teachers are dedicated, well-trained, & passionate about their subject & students. Students develop confidence and learn essential skills for success in college & beyond: thinking, reading, writing, & perseverance.

2) A.P. improves your child’s college application How are A.P. courses beneficial for your child? 2) A.P. improves your child’s college application Colleges rank “Grades in college prep courses” and “Strength of curriculum” as the top 2 factors in the admission decision.* 85% of selective colleges report that a student’s A.P. experience favorably impacts admission decisions.** * 2009 State of College Admission, NACAC ** Unpublished institutional research, Crux Research Inc. March 2007

How are A.P. courses beneficial for your child? 3) A.P. can earn you college credit College credit earned through A.P. Exams allows students to move into upper-level college courses sooner, pursue a double major, and gain time to study and travel abroad. “As a freshman, I was able to skip general education requirements and head straight into the higher-level classes I wanted to take. Taking AP Exams literally saved me semesters of time.”—Brent Wiese, University of Iowa

How are A.P. courses beneficial for your child? 4) A.P. classes improve chance of success in college Students who take A.P. courses and exams are much more likely to complete a college degree on time. A recent study* showed students taking AP courses & exams were much more likely to earn a college degree in 4 years. Students who take A.P. courses and exams are more likely to earn financial aid, easing the cost burden of college. 31% of colleges and universities consider a student’s AP experience when making decisions about which students will receive scholarships.** * Linda Hargrove, Donn Godin, and Barbara Dodd, “College Outcomes Comparisons by AP and Non-AP High School Experiences.” The College Board, 2008. ** Unpublished institutional research, Crux Research Inc. March 2007

How are A.P. courses beneficial for your child? A.P. and College Success Students who earn a 3, 4, or 5 on AP Exams have higher first-year college G.P.A.s and are more likely graduate than non-AP students of similar ability.* *Krista Mattern, Emily Shaw, and Xinhui Xiong, “The Relationship Between AP Exam Performance and College Outcomes” (2009), The College Board.

How can you help your child succeed in A.P. courses? Ask questions about their day and ask them to explain what they are learning in each class. Schedule time for about 1 ½ hours of homework per night, & give your child Space to complete it. Praise and reward your child when it’s deserved. Impose healthy eating habits, and make sure they get enough sleep every night. Read, read, read. Make sure they read every night! Encourage them to attend extra-help sessions.