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AP courses are rigorous high school classes that can earn college credit or prepare students for advanced classes. Administered by the College Board, AP courses are available in over 30 subjects and require passing a rigorous exam. Students can receive credit or admission to advanced classes at select universities. AP credit is awarded based on exam scores, and exams are offered once a year in May. Grading is done on a curve, with a score of three or greater considered passing. College credit awarded for AP courses varies by school.
Advanced Placement, or AP, courses are classes specially designed for high school students who want to earn college credit or simply take a more challenging course. Classes are available in a variety of subjects and usually end with a rigorous exam at the end of the year. Students who pass the AP exams may receive credit or admission to advanced classes at select universities.
The Advanced Placement program is administered by a non-profit corporation called the College Board. In addition to running the AP program, the College Board offers prep classes for the SAT and similar tests. The College Board also provides help with applying for and choosing colleges. The AP program runs across the United States and Canada and has over one million AP test takers each year.
AP courses are offered in over 30 subjects, although not all classes are available in all locations. Classes are generally considered to be comparable to college-level requirements and have a very rigorous curriculum. AP courses cover a wide variety of subjects, including calculus, chemistry, studio art, US and world history, and a variety of language and culture classes. Unfortunately, due to recent funding slumps, at least four classes were dropped from the course roster in 2009.
AP credit is typically awarded based on exam scores, which allows homeschoolers or those from schools that don’t offer AP courses the chance to participate in the program. While course attendance is highly recommended, independent study can also prepare a student for the difficult PA exam. To learn more about registering for AP exams even if you are unable to take the courses, contact your local school district and ask to speak with an AP coordinator.
Exams for AP courses are offered once a year, usually in May. Testing can take several hours and strict adherence to all testing rules must be followed at risk of disqualification. Grades are determined through July, which means high school students will not have their PA grades before choosing a college and determining the amount of credit they will receive. Experts recommend starting AP classes in your sophomore or sophomore year of high school, which will allow you to have passing grades ready to apply to colleges and give you another chance to take exams if you fail.
Grading on AP tests is done on a curve, with five being the highest possible score and one being the lowest. Most colleges consider a score of three or greater as a passing grade. Your scores are sent to you and your school, as well as any university you request. Students who score particularly high on multiple exams can receive the AP Scholar Awards, an academic honor that distinguishes them for their achievement.
College credit awarded for AP courses is determined school by school. In most beneficial programs, you can receive up to one year of credit for your work on the AP course. This means you can actually start college with a sophomore position, allowing you to save a year of classes and time. Be sure to check what each college you are considering offers in terms of AP credit.
AP classes are a challenging but wonderful opportunity to jump-start your college education. While classes can be more demanding than typical high school courses, they can also be more engaging and rewarding for advanced students. An AP course curriculum can help prepare students for the level of work expected of them at a university and can give them a chance to explore the disciplines they enjoy in an in-depth and focused way before they even set foot on the college campus. .
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