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

Verification Forms Have Been Mailed!

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.

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

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

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) – http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp

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) – http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp

Advanced Placement Exams AP exams are taken the first two weeks of May $92 @ test Registration occurs in late January/February Financial assistance available Passing scores offer college credit

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 3, 4 & 5 38 164 308 TBD

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

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)

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

Summer Assignments Information on summer assignments is located on LISD’s webpage under Quick Links: Summer Information http://vhs/

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

Questions?