AP Information Night Sandwich High School

AP Information Night Agenda 1. AP Presentation – Mr. Meerbach 2. AP Course Descriptions – Department Chairs 3. Student Feedback – Current AP Students 4. Questions & Answers –Mr. Meerbach 5. Table Top Discussions – Department Chairs

Advanced Placement Program ® (AP ® ) courses are college-level courses offered in high school. AP courses reflect what is taught in top introductory college courses At the end of course, students take AP Exams— standardized exams that measure how well students have mastered college-level course work. Students who do well on AP Exams can earn credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college. Overview of AP 3

The Benefits of AP Courses AP courses can be challenging, but there are many benefits. AP courses are often the most interesting and fulfilling courses a student takes in high school. AP teachers are prepared, dedicated, and experts in the content knowledge. Students develop confidence, and learn the study habits and time management skills essential for success in college. 4

AP and College Admission Strength of schedule or rigor of transcript is an important factor More selective colleges like to see that as student has challenged him/herself in their academic studies. Admissions counselors want to see that you can handle college level work. 5 “We look favorably on students who have taken AP courses. The presence of AP courses is a sign that a student has chosen to challenge him/herself.” —Admission Officer

Why Take AP Classes? Earn College Credit Students earn credit toward their college degrees. Usually a 3 or higher on the exam to qualify. College Placement Students can skip introductory courses and move directly into higher-level classes, or fulfill other general education requirements. Admissions advantage Most colleges will look more favorably on a transcript with AP course(s) than without. 6

What Are AP Courses Like? AP courses typically demand more of students than regular or honors courses. 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. AP teachers expect their students to think critically, analyze and synthesize facts and data, weigh competing perspectives, and write clearly and persuasively. 7

AP Courses Offered at Sandwich High School: English Language (10-12) English Literature (11-12) Biology (11-12) Physics (11-12) Chemistry (11-12) Calculus AB (11-12) Statistics (11-12) Spanish (11-12) French (11-12) US History (10-12) Comparative Government & Politics (11-12) Economics (11-12) Human Geography (10-12) World History (10-12) Psychology (10-12) Virtual High School (10-12) 8

What AP(s) should I take? Any student is capable of succeeding in AP if he or she puts in the time and effort. Select an area of interest, passion or related to your future college major. If you have never taken an AP class, you may want to start with one. Consider your schedule outside of school when deciding how many AP classes to take. 9

AP Exams AP Exams are administered each May. Exams are approximately 2-3 hours in length. Exam fees are $91 and paid in advance. Each AP Exam may contain: Multiple-choice questions Free-response questions (essay, problem-solving or oral response) 10

AP Credit Expands Students’ Options College credit earned through AP Exams allows students to move into upper-level college courses sooner, pursue a double major, or allow greater scheduling flexibility to travel abroad. 11 “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

1. Search by college or university name or by letter of the alphabet 2. You will see two things for each school: A link to the college’s own Web page that details its AP credit and placement policies. A statement by the college or university about its AP policy. AP Credit Policy Information Information about AP credit and placement policies at many colleges and universities is available at 12

AP Boosts Eligibility for Scholarships Colleges and universities may consider a student’s AP experience when making decisions about which students will receive merit scholarships. 13

AP Classes at SHS All students are encouraged to try an AP class, but it may not be the right fit for everyone. It is important and highly recommended to see your school counselor before registering for classes. (especially if this is your first AP class) AP exams are paid for in advance by the end of the 2015 school year. AP classes are extremely difficult to drop because of teacher and scheduling demands. Be prepared!! Significant summer work completion is an expectation in most AP classes. 14

Questions?? For more information about AP courses and exams visit: Ask your Department Heads for more information: History: Mr. Nate Everett English: Ms. Martha Martin Math: Ms. Kate Carl Science: Mr. Steve Watson World Language: Ms. Alison Nelson Virtual High School: Ms. Karen McGrath 15

AP Information Night Agenda 1. AP Presentation – Mr. Meerbach 2. AP Course Descriptions – Department Chairs 3. Student Feedback – Current AP Students 4. Questions & Answers –Mr. Meerbach 5. Table Top Discussions – Department Chairs 16