Is Advanced Placement the right choice for me? North Forsyth High School

What is the AP Program ? Academic courses centered on a rigorous, college-level curriculum designed by the College Board. Academic courses centered on a rigorous, college-level curriculum designed by the College Board. Each course includes a rigorous end- of-course examination graded against national standards. Each course includes a rigorous end- of-course examination graded against national standards.

Why take AP Courses? Students taking AP Courses in high school have an advantage—they are preparing for success in college by taking college-level courses while still in high school Explore advanced topics you like by studying in greater depth Develop advanced skills by forming disciplined study habits Build your confidence in your ability to succeed in college

Benefits of the AP Program For Students: – Development of academic skills necessary for college success – Increase in self-confidence, motivation, and academic orientation – Academic rigor for competitive college admissions – Potential college credit w/ AP Exam

Benefits of the AP Program For Students AND Parents Opportunity to earn college credit or advanced college placement while in high school: Opportunity to earn college credit or advanced college placement while in high school: – Possible tuition $$$ savings – More flexibility in college course choices – Possible early entry to graduate/professional schools

What does the research say about college-bound students who take AP ? Students who participate in AP : outperform their peers when placed into advanced courses in college; outperform their peers when placed into advanced courses in college; are more likely to take advanced courses in their AP subject areas in college; are more likely to take advanced courses in their AP subject areas in college; are more likely to choose challenging majors; are more likely to choose challenging majors; are more likely to graduate with a double major; are more likely to graduate with a double major; are twice as likely to go into advanced study. are twice as likely to go into advanced study.

AP and College Success Students who take AP courses AND exams are much more likely than their peers to complete a bachelor’s degree in four years or less. Source: Camara, Wayne. (2003). College Persistence, Graduation, and Remediation. College Board Research Notes (RN-19). New York, NY: College Board.

What Counts in College Admissions ? NACAC Survey College Admissions Officials

Is AP the right choice for me? Students who are successful in AP courses tend to exhibit the following academic competencies in the classroom: High interest in learning the subject (not just high grades) ‏ High interest in learning the subject (not just high grades) ‏ Strong communication skills (reading, writing & speaking) Strong communication skills (reading, writing & speaking) Ability to process & understand new information quickly Ability to process & understand new information quickly A positive attitude about challenging academic work A positive attitude about challenging academic work Ability to prioritize tasks & manage time effectively Ability to prioritize tasks & manage time effectively

Is AP the right choice for me? Students & parents should evaluate readiness by looking at academic performance, not just academic ability.

Is AP the right choice for me? High school AP courses are NOT an extension of the HORIZONS / Gifted Program. Students participating in the HORIZONS / Gifted Program are not necessarily ready for AP courses.

Is AP the right choice for me? AP Courses are designed with the highly motivated, high-achieving student in mind.

Successful AP students tend to be… MOTIVATED: Inspired to achieve at high levels in college level coursework DISCIPLINED: Consistently dedicates time needed to prepare for class. DETERMINED: Is not easily frustrated by challenging academic material. INTERESTED: Enjoys learning & active involvement in the classroom

Am I ready to take an AP course ? AP courses are very challenging, and potentially overwhelming to high school students. Student academic preparedness is the MOST IMPORTANT factor to consider in the decision to take an AP course.

Am I ready to take an AP course ? Forsyth County Schools has an OPEN ACCESS policy for AP courses. OPEN ACCESS means any student meeting course pre-requisites may choose to sign up for an AP course.

Am I ready to take an AP course ? Find out everything you can about the course. Find out everything you can about the course. Talk to the teacher(s) of the AP course being considered. Get a feel for the course expectations, time commitment, amount of homework, etc. Talk to the teacher(s) of the AP course being considered. Get a feel for the course expectations, time commitment, amount of homework, etc.

How many AP courses should a student take? Students & parents should make this decision after considering ALL of the following: Past & current academic performance Past & current academic performance Student academic readiness Student academic readiness Student interest & motivation Student interest & motivation Available time & competing interests, including: Home, church, extracurricular activities, job, community, social calendar… Available time & competing interests, including: Home, church, extracurricular activities, job, community, social calendar…

How many AP courses should a student take? It is NOT recommended that students & parents attempt to fill a student’s entire academic schedule with AP courses — particularly in 9 th & 10 th grades. Most students are not ready for multiple AP courses — and should be introduced gradually to the rigors & challenges of college-level coursework.

How many AP courses should a student take? Students & parents must consider all of the demands on a student’s time when making this decision Academic schedule (7 period day) ‏ Academic schedule (7 period day) ‏ Home, church & community Home, church & community Work Work Extra-curricular clubs, activites & sports. Extra-curricular clubs, activites & sports. Most students are not ready for multiple AP courses early in their high school careers— especially if they are involved in activities that demand a lot of their time outside of the school day.

9 th Grade Average # AP Courses Recommended Per Year: 0* *AP Human Geography, if a student shows superior academic readiness (grades, attendance, behavior, teacher recommendation, standardized test scores), high motivation, and available time.

Your AP Contact: Dr. Olga Glymph North Forsyth High School, AP Coordinator x