Introduction
We’re here to help answer all your questions about AP Courses and how they can benefit your child. Our goal is to provide you with the most up-to-date information on AP Courses and the impact they can have on a student’s college admissions and career prospects. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of what AP Courses are and how they can help your child succeed academically and beyond. So buckle up and get ready to learn all you need to know about AP Courses!
While still in high school, students can start thinking about college through the Advanced Placement (AP) Program. High schools all throughout the world offer AP courses to students from freshmen to seniors. Students have the opportunity to finish challenging, college-level curriculum in a range of subject areas in these classes. After finishing the related class, students have the option to take an AP exam offered by the College Board. Depending on the rules of the college the student later attends, passing exam grades may lead to college credit or exclusion from introductory-level courses.
The Advanced Placement Program: What is it?
A lot of high schools decide to take part in the Advanced Placement Program, which enables them to provide a range of AP subjects to eligible students. Throughout their high school careers, students can choose from 38 different AP classes, however, not all high schools offer each one. The guidance counselors at their high schools can work out an agreement for students who want to take a class that is not offered at their schools (involving dual enrollment or taking an online course).
Why should I enroll in AP courses?
The most challenging high school classes are AP courses, which help students get ready for the rigorous intellectual demands of college. A college admissions counselor might notice you if you have passing grades on the related tests and good grades in your AP subjects. Older students who choose to enroll in the most difficult subjects available at their high schools, even if they are not required to do so in order to graduate, and students who have regularly taken AP classes throughout their high school careers are particularly notable.
How many AP programmes are available?
The AP, or Advanced Placement Program, is a three-year academic series in a particular field. Serious students in Grades 10 through 12 have access to it. The coursework is completed with challenging exams that are given in May of the graduating year.
There are 38 AP courses available. The subjects available are:
- Art History
- Biology
- Calculus AB & BC
- Chemistry
- Computer Science A
- Economics
- English
- Environmental Science
- European History
- French
- German Language
- Government & Politics
- Human Geography
- International English Language (APIEL)
- Latin
- Music Theory
- Physics
- Psychology
- Spanish
- Statistics
- Studio Art
- US History
- World History
Factors to consider while choosing your AP Classes
How are AP exams graded?
On a scale of one to five, the following is how AP exams are graded:
- No suggestions
- Perhaps qualified
- Qualified
- Incredibly qualified
- Exceptionally qualified
In other words, one denotes failure, and five indicates exceptional qualification. The multiple-choice portions of the exam are scored by a computer, and the free-response and essay sections are graded by trained readers. The scores and raw materials are mixed in the following phase. The College Board provides a series of 8 Scholar Awards to honor students who achieve exceptional results on their AP exams.
Most colleges want at least a three or four on the exam. Their AP exam scores will be utilized to exclude students from taking any necessary prerequisite classes when the high school registers with the institution. Finally, AP course scores are used in about 30% of college scholarships. The College Board developed and provides all AP courses.
What benefits come from enrolling in AP classes?
There are numerous advantages to taking AP classes, including:
- A wide range of topics.
- Opportunity to obtain college credit.
- Getting ready for academic pressures.
- Increased awareness of and interest in a certain topic.
- Flexibility to just enroll in classes in subjects they excel at.
- AP courses are standalone and are not intended to be a component of a multidisciplinary programme of study.
- Even if they choose not to take the AP examinations, AP students can earn high school credits that they can utilize to graduate from high school and apply to colleges.
Check our video on AP: Click here
Exist any rules that are subject-specific?
While it is permissible and recommended for students to take numerous AP exams in the spring, there are a few restrictions for specific subjects:
Calculus AB and Calculus BC cannot be taken concurrently by students.
Tips to ace the AP Calculus exam
Students who are taking more than one Studio Art test must register for each test separately, pay the registration cost, and submit a portfolio of work.
How do I sign up for an AP exam?
You must sign up in person for AP exams with an AP coordinator at your school. Your teacher will provide information on how and when to register if you are currently enrolled in AP classes. Ask an AP teacher or your guidance counselor about deadlines if your teacher needs to provide this information or if you want to take an AP test without enrolling in the related class. With the exception of tests related to the AP Capstone, each test is $94.00. Each of these tests costs $142.
What if the times for the two tests I want to take conflict?
It is feasible to take both tests if they are being offered at the same time. Inquire with your instructors or the AP coordinator about signing up for an exam during a late testing session (there may be an additional fee). Tests are usually planned at the beginning of May.
Are qualifying students eligible for fee waivers?
Yes. The College Board may be willing to waive the $32 registration fee for each test for students who can show they have a financial need. The cost of each exam can be reduced by an additional $9.00 at the discretion of the individual institution, bringing the total to $53.00 ($101.00 for exams related to the AP Capstone).
At Rewiser, we understand that AP courses can be intimidating, but we’re here to help. We can provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions about AP courses and exams. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to us as we’d love to help you get started.
