1. Olympia High School is committed to every student’s success. We believe access to rigorous course work such as Advanced Placement® (AP®) plays an important role in that success. Welcome

2. What are Advanced Placement® Courses? The Benefits What Colleges Are Looking For Requirements? Next Steps: Help Your Child Make the Best Choices Q & A What We'll Cover

3. What Are AP Courses?

4. AP® courses are college-level courses offered in high school Courses reflect what is taught in introductory college courses. Students take AP Exams at the end of the course measuring their mastery of college-level work. Olympia High School has had impressive growth in the number of students taking AP exams over the last few years. 457 students took 866 tests in 2015! Advanced Placement ® : The Basics

5. English: English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition History and Social Sciences: Macroeconomics, Psychology, United States History, United States Government and Politics, World History Mathematics and Computer Science: Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Computer Science A, Statistics Sciences: Biology, Environmental Science, Physics 1: Algebra-based, Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism World languages: Spanish Language and Culture Our AP ® Courses

6. What Are the Benefits?

7. Students learn rigorous college-level content and skills. Taking AP is valued in the college admission process. AP courses are interesting and rewarding academic experiences. A score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam MAY earn students college credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college. AP ® : The Benefits

8. Taking an AP course helps students build critical thinking skills, confidence, and the essential time management and study skills needed for college success Nationally, research shows that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically earn higher grade point averages in college and have higher graduation rates than their non-AP peers* *2009, The College Board, “The Relationship Between AP Exam Performance and College Outcomes" AP ® : Skills & Advantages that Last a Lifetime

9. How Much College Credit Can I Earn? www.readysetgrad.org/#dual-credit

10. http://readysetgrad.org/rsg_cred_wiz/form

11. AP SCHOLAR AWARD AP Scholars demonstrate superior college-level achievement through AP courses and exams. They receive a medallion ribbon, certificate, and this achievement is acknowledged on any AP score report that is sent to colleges the following fall. AP Scholars https://apscore.collegeboard.org/scores/ap-awards/ap- scholar-awards https://apscore.collegeboard.org/scores/ap-awards/ap- scholar-awards OTHER ADVANTAGES?

12. 77 Olympia Scholars in 2015. This award is given by OHS in recognition of well-rounded students who not only challenge themselves academically but also participate in athletics, activities, and clubs. http://olympia.osd.wednet.edu/ccenter/testing_and_assess ment/advanced_placement/olympia_scholar_program http://olympia.osd.wednet.edu/ccenter/testing_and_assess ment/advanced_placement/olympia_scholar_program OLYMPIA SCHOLAR AWARD (It’s our own very prestigious award!)

13. 3.5 GPA 8 credits from a list of challenging classes. 4 credits from AP designated classes. Annual participation in at least two activities/sports. 3.5 GPA 9 credits from list of challenging classes. 5 credits from AP designated classes. Annual participation in at least two activities/sports 3.5 GPA 10 credits from list of challenging classes. 5 credits from AP designated classes. Annual participation in at least two activities/sports Changes to the Olympia Scholar AWARD 2019 2018 2017

14. What Are Colleges Looking For?

15. Academic admissions factors most widely rated as “considerably important” by colleges are: ✓ Grades in college prep courses (80%); ✓ Strength of curriculum (64%); ✓ Standardized admissions test scores (56%); ✓ Overall high school GPA (52%). Source: National Association for College Admission Counseling (2013). Class rank. Research to Practice Brief Issue 3, 1-11. A balance of academics and activities is important: ✓ A “few” activities done well Strive for a LEADERSHIP ROLE; show dedication with LONGEVITY &TOTAL HOURS What Are Colleges Looking For? STUDENTS WHO BALANCE ACADEMIC RIGOR WITH ACTIVITIES

16. WA state requires a standardized transcript in high schools – no “weighted” GPA. ( WAC 392-415-050 ) Many colleges recalculate a student’s GPA based on core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies & sometimes World Language). AP/Honors courses CAN get an additional grade point “bump” in calculating a “weighted” GPA. Often a.5 increase for “Honors” and a 1.0 increase for AP. HOW DO AP GRADES AFFECT MY GPA?

17. REQUIREMENTS: How Smart Do I Have to Be?

18. AP ® Myths & Realities MythReality AP courses are only for students who always get good grades. AP courses are for any students who are academically prepared and motivated to take college-level courses. AP courses are too stressful.It's no secret that AP courses are challenging. But the support students receive from their classmates and teachers can help them manage the work load. If your student has additional TIME to devote to his/her studies, the workload should be doable. I don't think I will score high enough on the AP Exam to get college credit. Students don’t need to score a 5. Many colleges grant credit — and placement into higher level college classes as well — based on a 3 or higher on an AP Exam. Taking AP courses could hurt my GPA.True, but taking AP courses shows colleges that your student is willing to challenge him/herself academically. Colleges often account for that in their evaluation of your student’s transcript. I can’t take AP because no one has recommended me.If your student thinks s/he is ready to take on the additional challenge of an AP course, and you support that choice, then s/he can! Help your student make sure s/he is committed to that choice as changing next year may not be an option.

19. The exam fee for 2016 is $92 per exam. Assistance is available for eligible students with financial need: Washington State partners with the AP College Board to offer AP exams for $12.00 an exam to students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. Financial waiver forms are available for special circumstances. AP ® Exam Fees

20. Next Steps: Help Your Child Make the Best Choices

21. Questions your student should ask him/herself: 1.How much TIME do I have? 2.Is my rigor balanced between humanities and math/science? Or, am I specializing too early? 3.Can I get college credit? 4.What’s right for ME?  Can I set reasonable goals?  Do I know my own limitations? How many is TOO many?  Am I only taking AP because my friends are?  Am I only taking AP to please my parents?  Am I committed to doing the extra work? THINGS TO CONSIDER

22. Other Opportunities?

23. This partnership with SPSCC allows juniors and seniors to take college classes. Students earn both high school and college credit at the same time. Parent permission and a college entrance exam are required; “B” average in 9 th /10 th grade classes recommended. Other considerations: Credits not necessarily accepted by all 4-year colleges/universities. Running Start students tend to become disengaged from high school activities. What About RUNNING START?

24. AP information: apstudent.collegeboard.orgapstudent.collegeboard.org College and Career Planning: bigfuture.orgbigfuture.org Personalized feedback, practice and college planning based on your PSAT/NMSQT ® results: My College QuickStart™ www.collegeboard.org/quickstartwww.collegeboard.org/quickstart AP credit policy information from colleges and universities: www.collegeboard.org/apcreditpolicywww.collegeboard.org/apcreditpolicy AP ® : Resources Worth Exploring for Students and Families

25. Questions and Answers