The Advanced Placement Examinations require students to demonstrate that they have achieved at the college level. Over 90% of the most selected colleges and universities give credit and/or advanced placement to students with acceptable scores on AP Exams. In a study of former AP students, 91% ranked their AP experiences as their most valuable academic work in high school. An AP course will give you an opportunity to experience academic challenges usually reserved for college students. Of course the AP Exam is challenging, but, accepting that challenge can be very rewarding,
 

1. You can actually receive hours (units) of credit at the college you will attend. This can mean a substantial savings in tuition costs as well as books and other materials associated with college classes.

2. By receiving credits and/or advanced placement you will have more flexibility in your college schedule. You can avoid taking some of the more crowded beginning classes. You may have the ability to explore other fields and some AP students actually choose to have double majors.
 

3. Successful AP candidates are also highly sought after by the most selective colleges and universities. Likewise, scholarship programs look at AP Exams as evidence of a student's ability and desire to excel. Many Successful AP candidates can be admitted to special Honor Programs at their college. And for those students with three or more acceptable AP Exam grades, they are potentially eligible for sophomore standing in college (a tremendous savings in tuition).
 

4. What happens if the college you will attend does not recognize AP grades? First, not many colleges/universities fail to accept them and they are often updating their policies. Your AP grades will always be on record and could be used for credit at a later date. Second, you may change your college choice or transfer to another college at a later date. It's always a good idea to build up as many credentials in your favor as you can. YOU always have control of where these AP scores are sent
 

5. Some students worry about not passing the AP Exams. This is only natural, but it is far better to start your study of Calculus with the thought in mind that you will be taking the Exam. Even if you were not to pass it, the colleges recognize that you have made a serious commitment to just prepare for and take the exam. They know that you will be the type of student they want at their college or university. We feel that if you work diligently towards the course objectives, then you will have an excellent opportunity to pass the AP Exam. It is a challenging Exam, but one you can accomplish with a positive attitude and hard work.

 

We commend you on your choice of an Advanced Placement course and we encourage you to seriously consider preparing for and taking the AP Exams in May.

p.s. Some of the content on this website was taken from the College Board AP website. You can explore more by visiting them at www.collegeboard.org/ap